Role of Alpha Feto Protein (AFP) in the Tumor Microenvironment (TME) of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC)

Abstract

The present study is aimed at exploring the anti-tumor effects of PDI on HCC and the underlying molecular mechanism as well functions associated signalling pathway for specific cancer diagnosis. Tumor microenvironment (TME) is actually a key factor underlining the development and progression of HCC. As for the conventional serum biomarker, Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) which has been long used for HCC diagnosis and prognosis, its function has gradually been found not only as a passive biomarker, but also as an active player in regulation of the TME. This review aims at identifying the various functions of AFP in the context of the TME of HCC, particularly on tumor growth, angiogenesis, immune regulation and differentiation and metastasis. The review also analyses some of the clinical aspects of AFP in HCC such as the therapeutic potential of AFP and its ability to predict the effectiveness of treatments. Newer studies on other novel biomarkers associated with AFP and genetic aspects of the function of AFP in TME are presented and future strategies in AFP-directed therapies further elaborated. Elucidating the multifaceted nature of the relationship between AFP and TME will be crucial for designing the new therapeutic approaches that can enhance the HCC diagnostics and treatment.