Endothelial Cells Contribute to the Immune-Vascular Milieu Characterizing VETC+ HCC

Introduction

Vessel encapsulating tumor cluster (VETC) defines a distinct vascular phenotype of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), characterized by tumor nests fully encased within a continuous endothelial lining. This architecture correlates with poor prognosis and enhanced sensitivity to anti-angiogenic therapies. To dissect the morphological, phenotypical, molecular, and functional programs that define VETC-associated ECs in HCC and to identify endothelial pathways potentially driving VETC vascular organization and tumor progression.