Fig. 5.

Proposed model by which IL-12-LNP impedes HCC tumor progression. Model depicting the process of HCC progression in the absence (no therapy), and after administration of IL-12-LNP therapy. Intravenous administration of LNPs containing IL-12 mRNA ensures delivery directly to the liver tumor, where it recruits CD44+ CD3+ CD4+ helper T cells and other CD4+ immune cells from the general circulation. CD4+ immune cells then cause HCC regression by raising an immune response to the tumor, and block progression to overt HCC