The mechanism of action, clinical significance, and research progress of tumor antigen-specific T cells in the treatment of HCC.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a malignancy characterised by high incidence and mortality rates, with China accounting for over 50% of new cases and deaths globally. The prevention and treatment of HCC remain formidable challenges, primarily due to pronounced tumour heterogeneity and a complex immune microenvironment. Recent advances in immunotherapy have highlighted the critical role of tumour antigen-specific T cells (TASCs) in the management of HCC. This review systematically examines the mechanisms underlying TASCs function, recent advances in HCC research, and the clinical significance of TASCs detection. It further analyses current challenges in HCC immunotherapy and offers a theoretical foundation and prospective directions for the development of combination and personalised therapies targeting TASCs.