PINK1 dysfunction in hepatocellular carcinoma fosters immune evasion and disease progression by promoting neutrophil infiltration.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Despite breakthroughs in immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), tumor immune evasion remains a major limitation to immunotherapy efficacy. PTEN-induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1) has highlighted roles in immune system regulation and tumor progression, but its specific role in HCC and impact on ICB response remains unclear. This study aimed to elucidate how PINK1 dysfunction enables HCC adaptation to ICB-induced immune attacks and identify potential therapeutic targets.

Methods

Online patient dataset analyses were performed to evaluate the impact of reduced PINK1 expression on clinical prognosis in HCC. An orthotopic HCC tumor cell mouse model was established. Single-cell RNA sequencing and flow cytometry were employed to explo

SUBMITTER: Gu Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12716600 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature