Then, using an orthotopic HCC model in immunocompetent mice, we demonstrated that coinjection of CD36+ CAFs (~30:1) isolated from murine HCC tumors significantly promoted tumor growth or metastasis of HCC tumor cells in the livers of mice, which was greatly blunted by specific knockdown of CD36, inhibition of MIF or depletion of Gr-1+ MDSCs (Fig. 5d, e). This evidence concerns the gene MIF and hepatocellular carcinoma.