Flow cytometry, gene knockdown, transwell migration, co-culture assays, qPCR and wound healing assay were performed to further validate the DPT-associated niche.<h4>Findings</h4>Higher intra-tumoural levels of DPT cells, CD45RA<sup>+</sup>CD4<sup>+</sup> conventional T cells, HBEGF and CX3CR1 were associated with unfavourable prognosis in HCC. The gene discussed is CX3CR1; the disease is hepatocellular carcinoma.