Mycoplasma infection drives EGFR-TKI resistance through convergent transcriptomic reprogramming in non-small cell lung cancer

Here, we show that mycoplasma infection sustains ERK, AKT, and NF-κB signaling, impairs receptor internalization, and reduces osimertinib sensitivity in EGFR-mutant NSCLC cells. Antibiotic-mediated clearance of Mycoplasma partially restored drug sensitivity, establishing a causal infection-resistance link.

Transcriptomic analysis identified converging pathways related to mycoplasma infection and drug resistance, including gene sets enriched for inhibition of receptor internalization and clathrin downregulation at the protein level. Combined inhibition of mTOR and LDHA improved growth suppression in mycoplasma-positive cells. Clinically, mycoplasma infection and higher LDHA expression were associated with poor overall survival of EGFR-TKI-treated patients.