Tumor-Derived CCL16 Normalizes Tumor Vasculature through Macrophage ICAM-1 Receptor and Enhances Immunotherapy Efficacy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

ABSTRACT: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is characterized by aberrant tumor vasculature and an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), both of which compromise immunotherapy efficacy while promoting circulating tumor cell (CTC) dissemination and immune escape. In this study, we aimed to identify potential therapeutic targets for remodeling aberrant tumor vasculature by analyzing CTCs from patients with early-stage HCC. HCC tissue samples derived from patients with elevated CTC counts demonstrated significant CCL16 downregulation accompanied by vascular structural abnormalities and an immunosuppressive TME. CCL16 deficiency in murine models exacerbated both vascular dysfunction and immunosuppressive TME formation, whereas CCL16 overexpression mediated vascular normalization and promoted immun

SUBMITTER: Chen K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12485388 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature