Integrating PD-L1 expression with TILs, PD-L1 immunopositivity was correlated with increased CD8<sup>+</sup> and PD1<sup>+</sup>TCF1<sup>-</sup> cell infiltration and was associated with favorable DFS especially in the TC.<h4>Conclusions</h4>Our findings support a more refined framework for TCF1<sup>+</sup> TIL assessment and TCF1 expression across cellular populations in the tumor microenvironment, with implications for prognostication in operable NSCLC. Here, CD8A is linked to neoplasm.