Fuzheng Jiedu Xiaoji Formula Enhances Anti-PD-1 Therapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Inhibiting Regulatory T Cell Lipotoxicity

A total of 55 clinical patients were enrolled, who received either immunotherapy alone or FZJDXJ combined with immunotherapy for 3 cycles. The 1-year efficacy was evaluated according to the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) 1.1, and peripheral immune responses were analyzed by multicolor flow cytometry. A Hepa1-6 orthotopic HCC mouse model was established and divided into four groups: model group, anti-PD-1 monotherapy group, FZJDXJ monotherapy group, and FZJDXJ combined with anti-PD-1 group. Tumor growth, as well as the function of Tregs and CD8+T cells in the periphery and tumor infiltrates, were assessed. Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses were conducted to explore the molecular mechanisms and metabolic characteristics of the tumor microenvironment, with in vitro for validation.