The acquisition of CAF-related genes signature. (A) Lasso coefficient distribution in the training cohort. (B) The coefficient profile is generated according to the logarithmic λ sequence. Selection of optimal parameter λ in the lasso model. (C) Forest plot of eight CAF-related genes signature. (D) GEPIA2 database analysis of the expression of eight CAF-related genes in HNSCC. (E) qPCR validation of the expression of eight CAF-related mRNAs in primary cultured HNSCC CAFs versus human hypopharyngeal carcinoma cells (FaDu), human laryngeal carcinoma cells (AMC–HN–8, TU212) and human nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells (5–8F). *P < 0.05, **P < 0.01, ***P < 0.001, ****P < 0.0001.