PKCα/ZFP64/CSF1 axis resets the tumor microenvironment and fuels anti-PD1 resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Background & Aims: Despite remarkable advances in treatment, most patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) respond poorly to anti-programmed cell death 1 (anti-PD1) therapy. A deeper insight into the tolerance mechanism of HCC against this therapy is urgently needed.

Methods: We performed next-generation sequencing, multiplex immunofluorescence, and dual-color immunohistochemistry and constructed an orthotopic HCC xenograft tumor model to identify the key gene associated with anti-PD1 tolerance.