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Fig. 2 | Cancer Cell International

Fig. 2

From: Modulation of the tumour microenvironment in hepatocellular carcinoma by tyrosine kinase inhibitors: from modulation to combination therapy targeting the microenvironment

Fig. 2

Cell–cell interactions within the TME of HCC that promote tumour progression. The TME of HCC is composed of diverse cellular compartments that play roles in tumour progression through cellular interactions. Suppressive immune subsets infiltration, including MDSCs, TAMs, and Tregs and cellular interaction contribute to immune evasion. The nonimmune compartment, including CAFs and endothelial cells, forms a dynamic network with immune cells, which significantly amplifies the progression of HCC. Among the molecules secreted by CAFs, MMPs, FOXQ1, and CCL2 are associated with tumour metastasis. HGF is associated with EMT, tumour metastasis, migration, and invasion. TGF-β is suggested to play an immunosuppressive role, promote tumour proliferation, and regulate EMT. IL-8 is shown to promote HCC invasion. COX-2 is indicated to contribute to tumour angiogenesis and tumour cell proliferation

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Cancer Cell International

ISSN: 1475-2867

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