CCL5: An emerging key target and progress in the targeted therapy of hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly prevalent and lethal malignancy, presenting significant challenges in clinical diagnosis and treatment. The chemokine C-C motif ligand 5 (CCL5) plays a pivotal role in HCC pathogenesis. While traditionally viewed primarily as a mediator of immune cell chemotaxis and migration, recent evidence demonstrates that CCL5 directly influences tumor cells, regulating malignant behaviors such as proliferation and invasion. Furthermore, CCL5 recruits diverse immune cells, including immunosuppressive populations, to the tumor microenvironment (TME), remodeling the TME and exerting context-dependent effects that can either promote immune evasion or enhance anti-tumor immunity. This article reviews advances in understanding the mechanisms of CCL5 in HCC and discusses the translational potential of targeting CCL5 for HCC therapy.