In contrast, iCAFs secrete pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-6, C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12)) to fuel tumor growth, while ApCAFs modulate adaptive immunity through antigen presentation, thereby shaping therapeutic responses in HCC (211, 214, 215). Here, CXCL12 is linked to hepatocellular carcinoma.