Single-cell transcriptome deciphers key targets of thrombopoietin receptor agonists and immune microenvironment characteristics of immune thrombocytopenia

Thrombopoietin receptor agonists (TPO-RAs) represent a cornerstone in immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) management, yet their molecular mechanisms remain incompletely elucidated. This study systematically deciphered the key targets and signaling networks of four TPO-RAs (romiplostim, eltrombopag, avatrombopag, hetrombopag) in ITP pathogenesis. Network pharmacology was integrated with single-cell high-dimensional weighted gene co-expression network analysis (hdWGCNA) using bone marrow scRNA-seq data from ITP patients and healthy controls. Metacell-based co-expression modules to hematopoietic bone marrow cells were identified. Drug targets were curated from multiple databases, and candidate genes were screened by intersecting differentially expressed genes (DEGs), cell specific modules, and TPO-RA targets. Molecular docking, pseudotime trajectory analysis, and in silico gene knockdown were employed for functional validation. Intersection analysis revealed five key genes (CACNA1A, CSF1R, PKN1, CD9, DSTYK). Molecular docking demonstrated strong binding affinities between TPO-RAs and key targets. The ITP bone marrow niche exhibited rewired cell-cell communication, with enhanced T cell-initiated signaling and aberrant megakaryocyte-T cell interactions. Pseudotime analysis uncovered disrupted megakaryocyte maturation dynamics. In silico knockdown revealed CACNA1A, CSF1R, and PKN1 dysregulation exacerbated neutrophil hyperactivity, while CD9 and DSTYK knockdown impaired mitotic regulation. This study delineated mechanisms of TPO-RAs, highlighting five key genes that orchestrate dysregulated thrombopoiesis and immune dysfunction in ITP. The integration of in silico strategies identified novel targets for optimizing ITP therapy.