Second, although we found there was no difference in the genotype distribution of PDCD-1 (rs10204525 and rs36084323), and LAG3 (rs870849 and rs1882545) among different risk factors such as HBV infection and alcohol intake in HCC patients (data not shown), the addition of intermediate control groups bearing the same environmental risk factors such as long-term cirrhotic HBV, drinking and smoking status could add value to our study. The gene discussed is LAG3; the disease is hepatocellular carcinoma.