IFN-γ–driven immune networks in hepatocellular carcinoma

Duygu Kırkık; Alpaslan Tanoğlu

doi:10.38053/acmj.1870749

IFN-γ–driven immune networks in hepatocellular carcinoma

Abstract

Aims: The immune microenvironment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is complex and heterogeneous, limiting the efficacy of immune-based therapies. Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) plays a pivotal role in antitumor immunity, regulating antigen presentation, immune cell recruitment, and cytotoxic effector functions. This study utilized integrated in-silico immunogenetic and immunoinformatic approaches to comprehensively characterize key components of the IFN-γ signaling axis in HCC. Methods: Network analysis revealed a highly interconnected IFN-γ–centered immune module, driven by co-expression and encompassing antigen presentation, chemokine signaling, cytotoxic effector functions, and immune regulation. Functional enrichment analyses highlighted immune pathways related to cytokine signaling, antigen processing, and natural killer cell cytotoxicity. The Interferome database confirmed consistent IFN-γ–responsive transcriptional patterns across multiple biological contexts, validating the IFN-γ responsiveness of selected genes. Results: Epitope prediction identified multiple high-affinity CD8⁺ T-cell epitopes derived from STAT1, CXCL10, GZMB, and IDO1, with broad HLA class I binding capacity. These findings define IFN-γ signaling in HCC as an integrated immune network with immunogenetic relevance, supporting its potential utility for immune-based stratification and the development of rational immunotherapeutic strategies. The characterization of the IFN-γ signaling axis in HCC provides valuable insights into the complex interactions between immune cells and tumor cells, highlighting the importance of IFN-γ in shaping the immune microenvironment. Conclusion: The study's results have significant implications for the development of effective immunotherapies for HCC, suggesting that targeting the IFN-γ signaling axis may enhance antitumor immunity and improve treatment outcomes. Further research is needed to explore the clinical applications of these findings and to develop novel immunotherapeutic strategies that harness the power of IFN-γ to combat HCC. By elucidating the complex interactions within the IFN-γ signaling axis, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of the immune microenvironment in HCC.

Keywords

Supporting Institution

N/A

Ethical Statement

This study was conducted using publicly available datasets and in silico analytical approaches. No human participants or animals were directly involved in the study. Therefore, ethical committee approval and informed consent were not required.

Thanks

N/A

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Innate Immunity, Immunogenetics, Basic Immunology

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Duygu Kırkık ^*
0000-0003-1417-6915
Türkiye

Alpaslan Tanoğlu
0000-0002-7477-6640
Türkiye

Publication Date

March 10, 2026

Submission Date

January 24, 2026

Acceptance Date

February 21, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 8 Number: 2

DOI

https://doi.org/10.38053/acmj.1870749

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA97AS34JA

Cite

RIS / Bibtex

APA

Kırkık, D., & Tanoğlu, A. (2026). IFN-γ–driven immune networks in hepatocellular carcinoma. Anatolian Current Medical Journal, 8(2), 324-330. https://doi.org/10.38053/acmj.1870749

AMA

1.Kırkık D, Tanoğlu A. IFN-γ–driven immune networks in hepatocellular carcinoma. Anatolian Curr Med J / ACMJ / acmj. 2026;8(2):324-330. doi:10.38053/acmj.1870749

Chicago

Kırkık, Duygu, and Alpaslan Tanoğlu. 2026. “IFN-γ–driven Immune Networks in Hepatocellular Carcinoma”. Anatolian Current Medical Journal 8 (2): 324-30. https://doi.org/10.38053/acmj.1870749.

EndNote

Kırkık D, Tanoğlu A (March 1, 2026) IFN-γ–driven immune networks in hepatocellular carcinoma. Anatolian Current Medical Journal 8 2 324–330.

IEEE

[1]D. Kırkık and A. Tanoğlu, “IFN-γ–driven immune networks in hepatocellular carcinoma”, Anatolian Curr Med J / ACMJ / acmj, vol. 8, no. 2, pp. 324–330, Mar. 2026, doi: 10.38053/acmj.1870749.

ISNAD

Kırkık, Duygu - Tanoğlu, Alpaslan. “IFN-γ–driven Immune Networks in Hepatocellular Carcinoma”. Anatolian Current Medical Journal 8/2 (March 1, 2026): 324-330. https://doi.org/10.38053/acmj.1870749.

JAMA

1.Kırkık D, Tanoğlu A. IFN-γ–driven immune networks in hepatocellular carcinoma. Anatolian Curr Med J / ACMJ / acmj. 2026;8:324–330.

MLA

Kırkık, Duygu, and Alpaslan Tanoğlu. “IFN-γ–driven Immune Networks in Hepatocellular Carcinoma”. Anatolian Current Medical Journal, vol. 8, no. 2, Mar. 2026, pp. 324-30, doi:10.38053/acmj.1870749.

Vancouver

1.Duygu Kırkık, Alpaslan Tanoğlu. IFN-γ–driven immune networks in hepatocellular carcinoma. Anatolian Curr Med J / ACMJ / acmj. 2026 Mar. 1;8(2):324-30. doi:10.38053/acmj.1870749