Targeting Treg-fibroblast interaction to enhance immunotherapy in steatotic liver disease-related hepatocellular carcinoma

Abstract

Background: Steatotic liver disease-related hepatocellular carcinoma (SLD-HCC), a rising global challenge, is characterised by unique tumour microenvironment (TME) adaptations.

Objective: This study investigates the immune microenvironment and interactions driving immunosuppression and potential resistance to immunotherapy in SLD-HCC.

Design: We employed single-cell transcriptomics, cytometry by time-of-flight (CyTOF) and two independent spatial transcriptomics platforms to study the TME of 22 SLD-HCC and 31 non-SLD-HCC cases. Findings were further validated using multiplex immunohistochemistry in an independent cohort of 103 patients, an HCC model and an immunotherapy-treated patient cohort to evaluate clinical relevance.

Results: Our findings revealed significant alterations in immune and lipid metabolism pathways, particularly in regulatory T cells (Tregs) and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), suggesting distinct cellular adaptations to a high-fat TME and general immunosuppression. CyTOF revealed a cold, immunosuppressive TME with reduced CD8⁺ T cells and increased Tregs. Spatial transcriptomics further highlighted distinct Treg-CAF clusters localised at tumour margins, suggesting a spatially organised immunosuppressive niche. Mechanistically, tumour necrosis factor superfamily member 14 (TNFSF14)-tumour necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 14 (TNFRSF14)-mediated Treg-CAF interaction was identified as a critical driver of immunotherapy resistance in SLD-HCC. Blocking TNFRSF14 in an HCC model fed with a high-fat diet resulted in reduced Tregs, increased active CD8⁺ and memory CD4⁺ T cells, and a synergistic effect with anti-programmed cell death protein 1 therapy to enhance antitumour immunity and overcome immunotherapy resistance in SLD-HCC.

Conclusion: This study uncovers critical immune and metabolic adaptations in SLD-HCC, identifying TNFSF14-TNFRSF14 signalling as a key driver of immunotherapy resistance. Targeting this signalling axis enhances antitumour immunity and improves immunotherapy efficacy, offering a promising therapeutic strategy for SLD-HCC.

Keywords: CELLULAR IMMUNITY; HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA; IMMUNOREGULATION; IMMUNOTHERAPY; LIVER IMMUNOLOGY.