FIGURE 3.

Stiffness regulates TAM features and functions in the TME of HCC. Increased ECM stiffness leads to enhanced ECM crosslinking, which is reported to regulate macrophage polarization into M2 type through mechanoreceptors such as Piezo1, TRP ion channels, and integrins. The external forces generated by stiffness could further enhance the interaction between tumor cells and TAM. The figure is created by BioRender.com. Abbreviations: ECM, extracellular matrix; TAM, tumor-associated macrophage; TME, tumor microenvironment.