Tumor-associated high endothelial venules are associated with enhanced lymphocyte infiltration and favorable prognosis in resected hepatocellular carcinoma.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) are essential to effective immunotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Among factors regulating TILs, tumor-associated high endothelial venules (TA-HEVs) have been identified in various cancers and may contribute to TIL recruitment. This study aimed to investigate the clinical significance of TA-HEVs in HCC and their association with TILs.

Methods

156 patients with HCC who underwent hepatic resection were analyzed. TA-HEVs were identified using double immunohistochemical staining for MECA-79 and CD31. Clinical outcomes and TIL density were compared between TA-HEV-present and -absent cases. Multicolor flow cytometry and RNA sequencing of tumor tissues were also performed.

Results

TA-HEVs were observed within tertia

SUBMITTER: Aoyama S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12717315 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature