3D biomimetic tumor microenvironment of HCC to visualize the intercellular crosstalk between hepatocytes, hepatic stellate cells, and cancer cells

While a significant number of studies have focused on elucidating the functioning mechanisms Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) microenvironment, intercellular crosstalk between multiple cells in tumor microenvironment remains unclear. Here we co-cultured spheroids HCC cells, hepatic stellate (HSCs), and hepatocytes biomimetic composite hydrogel to construct 3D model vitro. The reproduced major cellular components early realizing visualization interplay microenvironment. Using this model, showed that HSCs were activated when with deposed collagen remodel which turn triggered higher EMT levels cells. also responded existence activation co-culture, showing downregulated expression level ALB, AFP, HNF4A. This recapitulated enabled multicellular 3D, providing platform investigate related fibrosis.