Identification of immune-mediated aging genes associated with cervical spondylosis through single-cell eQTL Mendelian randomization

Zuozhong LiuHaitao xu^*

• Yongchuan Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China

Background: Cervical spondylosis (CS) is an age-related degenerative spinal disorder with increasing evidence linking its pathogenesis to immune aging. The genetic mechanisms connecting immune dysregulation to CS remain largely undefined. Methods: We integrated GWAS data from 484,598 individuals with single-cell eQTL profiles across 14 immune cell types, using Mendelian randomization (MR) and Bayesian colocalization to identify genes whose cell-type–specific expression causally influences CS risk. Entropy analysis quantified lineage specificity of MR effects. Functional enrichment, drug–gene interaction mapping, and protein–protein interaction (PPI) network construction were used for target prioritization. Validation was performed using qPCR and ELISA in CS patient serum and 5-Aminosalicylic Acid (5-ASA) treatment in HUT78 T cells. Results: A total of 118 genes exhibited suggestive or potential causal associations with CS, primarily enriched in CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells. Five immune aging-related genes BMPR2, CHUK, CTNNB1, CTSB, and EZH2 emerged as central regulators based on entropy scores and colocalization evidence, PPI centrality, and druggability. These genes were validated in patient serum samples, showing age-associated expression changes and cytokine alterations. 5-ASA treatment modulated their expression and inflammatory cytokine levels in vitro, supporting its repurposing potential. Conclusion: This study reveals immune cell–specific genetic regulators linking immune aging to cervical spondylosis and identifies 5-ASA as a candidate therapeutic agent. Our single-cell MR framework offers novel insights into immunogenetic mechanisms driving age-related spinal degeneration and highlights actionable targets for translational research.