Though biomarker-driven methods (e.g., PD-L1 staining) show potential for predicting immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) responses in HCC (37), and we have discussed the controversial predictive value of PD-L1 [noting its insufficiency for reliable ICI efficacy prediction in HCC (38)], the absence of baseline data still hinders understanding of the immune microenvironment-treatment efficacy interplay. Here, CD274 is linked to hepatocellular carcinoma.