Immunological network analysis in HPV associated head and neck squamous cancer and implications for disease prognosis

•HPV+ HNSCC infiltrated more B cells, T cells and the ratio of M1/M2 macrophages, but fewer neutrophils than HPV- HNSCC.•B cells and CD8+ T cells were identified as independent protective factors, while neutrophil was a risk enhancing factor for HPV+ HNSCC patients.•A schematic model of immunological network was established for HPV+ HNSCC.