CX3CR1+ macrophages interact with HSCs to promote HCC through CD8+ T-cell suppression.

ABSTRACT:

Background and aims

HSCs contribute to HCC progression by regulating multiple factors. However, the entire immunoregulatory functions of HSCs are still obscure. Here, we aim to investigate whether HSCs impose CX3CR1+ macrophages to protumorigenic properties in the peritumoral area.

Approach and results

In single-cell RNA-sequencing analysis of patients with HCC, a subpopulation of macrophages specifically expressed Arg1 and Cx3cr1 in the peritumoral area and were highly enriched with retinol metabolism-related genes. Flow cytometry analysis showed significantly increased frequencies of CD14+CD11b+HLA-DR- macrophages with CX3CR1 in the HCC adjacent region where α-smooth muscle actin-expressing activated hepatic stellate cells (aHSCs) showed colocalized expression of CX3CL1. A

SUBMITTER: Jeong JM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12356560 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature