Fig. 8

Schematic representation illustrates the positive feedback loop between HCC cells and HCC-TAMs. Polarization-promoting factors (IL-10, TGF-β, ect.) in the HCC TME can up-regulate the expression of Wnt2b in macrophages, then promote expression and nuclear translocation of β-catenin, which can promote the M2 polarization of TAMs, a process associated with the activation of HCC-TAMs glycolysis by activating c-Myc. These polarized TAMs can promote the proliferation, migration and EMT of tumor cells. TLR9 agonist CpG ODG can act as a blocker of Wnt2b signal which can inhibit M2 polarization of HCC-TAMs induced by HCC-TCM. HCC, hepatocellular carcinoma; TME, tumor microenvironment; TAMs, tumour-associated macrophages; EMT, epithelial-mesenchymal transformation