CXCR7 influenced lymphocytes entry into the liver or intestine via orthotopic implantation models, and CXCR7 downregulation decreased CXCL12 levels in the bloodstream of mice, indicating that CXCL12 levels may be regulated by CXCR7 and have a pro-inflammatory role during HCC development. This evidence concerns the gene ACKR3 and hepatocellular carcinoma.