Targeting immune evasion in hepatocellular carcinoma-initiating cells

Trends Immunol. 2025 Jan;46(1):4-6. doi: 10.1016/j.it.2024.12.002. Epub 2024 Dec 24.

Abstract

Tumor-initiating cells (TICs) are particularly efficient at evading detection and elimination by the human immune system. Recent data from Yang and collaborators demonstrate that - at least in preclinical hepatocellular carcinoma models - the immunological privilege of CD49f+ TICs can be limited by targeting CD155, resulting in restored sensitivity to immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Keywords: CCL4; NK cells; PD-1; TIGIT; myeloid-derived suppressor cells; neutrophils.

Publication types

  • Editorial

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular* / drug therapy
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular* / immunology
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular* / pathology
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular* / therapy
  • Humans
  • Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors* / pharmacology
  • Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors* / therapeutic use
  • Immune Evasion*
  • Liver Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Liver Neoplasms* / immunology
  • Liver Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Liver Neoplasms* / therapy
  • Neoplastic Stem Cells* / drug effects
  • Neoplastic Stem Cells* / immunology
  • Tumor Escape*

Substances

  • Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors