Table 3_GPX2+ tumor cells recruit LGALS1+ B cells via CCL26-CCR3 axis to promote immunosuppression and tumor progression in hepatocellular carcinoma.xlsx

The molecular link between Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression remains elusive. Here, we identify glutathione peroxidase 2 (GPX2) as a pivotal mediator of this process. Single-cell analysis of HBV-positive HCC reveals a distinct GPX2+ CSC population characterized by high MYC and CD44 expression. We demonstrate that GPX2 preserves stemness intrinsically by mitigating ROS-mediated c-MYC nuclear-cytoplasmic distribution, while extrinsically fostering immune evasion via the CCL26-CCR3 signaling axis. specifically, GPX2-derived CCL26 recruits and educates B cells towards an immunosuppressive LGALS1+ state, which predicts adverse patient outcomes. In vivo, GPX2 overexpression accelerates tumorigenesis, whereas targeting CCR3 with ALK4290 sensitizes tumors to anti-PD-1 checkpoint blockade. These findings delineate a dual mechanism whereby GPX2 couples oxidative stress regulation to immune modulation, positioning the GPX2-B cell axis as a promising therapeutic target for HBV-driven liver cancer.