Additionally, we used an orthotopic HCC model in nude mice to demonstrate that coinjection of CD36+ CAFs significantly promotes tumor growth or metastasis of the tumor cells in the livers of nude mice, which was greatly blunted by specific knockdown of CD36, inhibition of MIF or depletion of Gr-1+ MDSCs (Supplementary Fig. S9g, h). Here, MIF is linked to hepatocellular carcinoma.