Furthermore, machine learning algorithms were employed to construct a prognostic model for HNSCC.<h4>Results</h4>Integrative single-cell analysis revealed the immunosuppressive TIME of LN-metastatic HNSCC, characterised by high infiltration of exhausted CD8<sup>+</sup> T cells (CD8<sup>+</sup> Tex). The gene discussed is CD8A; the disease is head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.