A novel oncogenic PD-1(HI) B cell subtype has been identified in human HCC that exhibits a phenotype distinct from that of surrounding regulatory B cells. TLR4-mediated upregulation of BCL6 is critical for inducing PD-1(HI) B cells, which act through an IL10-dependent pathway after interacting with PD-L1, thereby causing T cell dysfunction and promoting disease progression. This evidence concerns the gene IL10 and hepatocellular carcinoma.