Tertiary lymphoid structures and hepatocellular carcinoma: Guardian and executioner

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Oncology
• Cancer Research

Background:

• Tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) are key immune aggregations in tumors.
• TLS characteristics influence tumor progression, treatment response, and patient outcomes.
• The role of TLS in cancer is context-dependent, potentially promoting or inhibiting tumor growth.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the cellular composition and formation of TLS.
• To compare TLS in liver cancer with other cancer types.
• To explore the role of TLS in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) pathogenesis, progression, and treatment.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on TLS in cancer, with a focus on HCC.
• Analysis of TLS cellular composition, heterogeneity, and maturity.
• Comparison of TLS characteristics across different cancer types and stages.

Main Results:

• TLS composition and maturity are linked to tumor progression and prognosis.
• TLS can exhibit dual roles in cancer, either promoting or inhibiting tumor growth.
• HCC often resists immune checkpoint therapy, highlighting the need for immune microenvironment modulation.

Conclusions:

• Inducing antitumor TLS is a promising strategy to enhance HCC immunotherapy.
• Targeting TLS can remodel the tumor immune microenvironment and overcome drug resistance.
• Understanding TLS in HCC may lead to novel therapeutic strategies for liver cancer.