Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains one of the most prevalent and lethal cancers globally, with a high incidence of diagnosis at advanced stages, where treatment options are limited. Despite significant advances in understanding the molecular mechanisms driving HCC, especially regarding immune evasion and liver-specific immunology, translating these insights into effective clinical therapies has proven challenging.

This Research Topic aims to provide a comprehensive exploration of the various immunological factors influencing HCC progression and therapy, with a particular focus on immune evasion mechanisms, tumor microenvironment dynamics, and emerging immunotherapeutic strategies. Contributions should examine the multifaceted role of the immune system in HCC, including immune checkpoint regulation, immune cell interactions, and other immune-modulatory pathways that impact disease outcomes.

We welcome a wide range of contributions, including reviews, original research, mini-reviews, case reports, and perspective papers. By encompassing diverse aspects of the immune landscape in HCC, this Research Topic aims to foster a deeper understanding of the immunological mechanisms driving the disease and explore innovative therapeutic approaches that could lead to more effective treatments and improved patient outcomes. We invite contributions that cover a broad spectrum of topics, including but not limited to:

--Immune checkpoint regulation and its impact on HCC progression
--Immune evasion mechanisms in HCC, including immune suppression and escape tactics
--The role of the tumor microenvironment and liver-specific immune responses in HCC development
--Current status and future directions for immunotherapy in HCC, including checkpoint inhibitors and other immune-based strategies
--Combination therapies and novel approaches to enhance immune response in HCC
--Identification and validation of biomarkers for predicting response to immunotherapy and other treatments
--Mechanisms of resistance to immunotherapy in HCC and potential strategies to overcome these challenges
--Other immune-modulating therapies, such as adoptive cell transfer, cytokine therapy, and vaccines, in HCC treatment
--Non-invasive diagnostic methods, including liquid biopsies, for monitoring immune responses and treatment efficacy

Please note that manuscripts consisting solely of bioinformatics or computational analysis of public genomic or transcriptomic databases which are not accompanied by robust and relevant validation (clinical cohort or biological validation in vitro or in vivo) are out of scope for this Research Topic.

Are you interested in contributing a manuscript to this Research Topic?

Immunology and Therapeutic Innovations in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Exploring Immune Evasion and Beyond