BIRC2 blockade facilitates immunotherapy of hepatocellular carcinoma.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The effectiveness of immunotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is limited, however, the molecular mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we identified baculoviral IAP repeat-containing protein 2 (BIRC2) as a key regulator involved in immune evasion of HCC.

Methods

Genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 screening was conducted to identify tumor-intrinsic genes pivotal for immune escape. In vitro and in vivo models demonstrated the role of BIRC2 in protecting HCC cells from immune killing. Then the function and relevant signaling pathways of BIRC2 were explored. The therapeutic efficacy of BIRC2 inhibitor was examined in different in situ and xenograft HCC models.

Results

Elevated expression of BIRC2 correlated with adverse prognosis and resistance to immunotherapy

SUBMITTER: Fu L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11995630 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature