The purpose of this study was to summarize the mechanism and application of PD-1/PDL-1 checkpoint inhibitors in HCC immunotherapy, and to reflect further on the side effects of treatment, in the hope of developing a promising combination therapy in the future, such that blocking the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway can play a more important role in the treatment of HCC. Here, PDCD1 is linked to hepatocellular carcinoma.