CTLA4 and hepatocellular carcinoma: In addition, we defined the relationship of these genes with anti-tumor immunity represented by the transcript levels of IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-17, the portion of T cell subsets in peripheral blood, and the expression level of inhibitory checkpoint molecules: PD-1, CTLA-4, and TIM-3 in HCC tumor tissue, as well as PD-1 plasma level in peripheral blood.