Inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ) produced by macrophages or activated T and NK cells have been shown to induce proliferation of liver-progenitor cells (LPC) in response to liver damage.22, 39, 40 The more aggressive HCC subtypes express LPC markers (EpCAM, CK7, CK19, CD133)41, 42 and increased incidences of HCC have been correlated to high viral loads in CHB patients.9 This evidence concerns the gene KRT7 and hepatocellular carcinoma.