In addition, CCL2-induced TAM infiltration and functional alterations and CD8 + T-cell recruitment contribute to MELK-mediated HCC tumorigenesis and progression, and in particular, the regulatory role of MELK in the tumor immune microenvironment helps to amplify the RT-related immune effects to exert superior synergistic antitumor effects. Here, CCL2 is linked to hepatocellular carcinoma.