The induction of MDSCs and Foxp3+Treg cells, as well as the induction of inflammatory cytokines following the loss of SPTBN1 in mice and HCC cells, suggest that inflammatory-associated immune-suppressive conditions may be a critical mechanism for the formation and progression of liver cancer caused by suppression or deletion of SPTBN1; this theory merits further comprehensive and systematic exploration. The gene discussed is SPTBN1; the disease is hepatocellular carcinoma.