Early Hepatic Lesions Display Immature Tertiary Lymphoid Structures and Show Elevated Expression of Immune Inhibitory and Immunosuppressive Molecules

Abstract

Local immune activation occurs in the very early steps of liver carcinogenesis; however, it may not be fully efficient and paradoxically favor immune evasion and progression to full-blown HCC. These results have implications for the development of anti-HCC chemopreventive strategies in cirrhotic patients.