Zhan et al. reported (Zhan et al., 2023) that HBV-induced activation of S100A9 triggers the RAGE/TLR4-ROS signaling pathway, leading to the formation of numerous neutrophil extracellular traps, thereby promoting the growth and metastasis of HBV-HCC cells. The gene discussed is TLR4; the disease is hepatocellular carcinoma.