The activation and functionality of tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells, influenced by tumor cells, are crucial for shaping the TME and determining responses to immunotherapy.34, 36 To mimic the interplay in the TME, we constructed an in vitro co-culture system consisting of human CD8+ T cells and HCC cells, which were either genetically silenced or treated with an SQLE inhibitor. This evidence concerns the gene CD8A and hepatocellular carcinoma.