CD44 and hepatocellular carcinoma: Our analysis revealed a notable increase in the signal strength of the MIF-(CD74/CD44) ligand-receptor pair, originating from hepatocytes and targeting macrophages in both NASH and HCC, as depicted in Fig. 3B. Consequently, we performed an extensive examination of various communication patterns within the MIF signaling pathway, with a specific emphasis on the interactions between macrophages and hepatocytes.