In conclusion, we considered APOA5 maybe a novel target for suppressing HCC via simultaneously elevating inflammation and ferroptosis levels, and signature constructed by seven IAF genes including ADH4, APOA5, CFHR3, CXCL8, FTCD, G6PD and PON1 can act as a biomarker for optimising the diagnosis, prognosis evaluation and immunotherapy options in HCC patients. Here, CXCL8 is linked to hepatocellular carcinoma.