Genome Editing in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Liver-Targeted Delivery and Immune Microenvironment Control

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related death globally, with incidence continuing to rise in many regions. Despite advances in systemic therapies and immunotherapy, clinical outcomes remain suboptimal due to late-stage diagnosis, tumor heterogeneity, and high rates of recurrence. Genome editing technologies, particularly CRISPR-based platforms, offer transformative potential for precise and durable therapeutic intervention. However, their successful application in HCC depends on overcoming key barriers related to delivery specificity and the complex immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment.This Research Topic aims to bring together cutting-edge studies that explore genome editing strategies for HCC, with a particular focus on liver-targeted delivery systems and immune microenvironment modulation. Efficient and selective delivery remains a critical bottleneck for in vivo genome editing. We welcome contributions investigating novel delivery platforms, including lipid nanoparticles, viral and non-viral vectors, and ligand- or receptor-mediated targeting approaches that enhance hepatocyte and tumor cell specificity while minimizing off-target effects and systemic toxicity. Studies addressing pharmacokinetics, biodistribution, and safety are particularly encouraged.In parallel, the immunological landscape of HCC presents both a challenge and an opportunity for genome editing-based therapies. The liver’s unique immune tolerance and the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment limit the efficacy of current treatments. This Topic seeks research that leverages genome editing to reprogram tumor cells and immune components, including the disruption of oncogenic pathways, restoration of tumor suppressor genes, and enhancement of anti-tumor immunity. Relevant areas include editing of immune checkpoints, engineering of immune effector cells, modulation of stromal and cytokine networks, and combination strategies with existing immunotherapies.We invite original research articles, reviews, and perspectives that address fundamental, translational, and clinical aspects of genome editing in HCC. By integrating advances in delivery technologies with innovative approaches to immune modulation, this Research Topic aims to accelerate the development of safe, effective, and clinically translatable genome editing therapies for liver cancer Topic editors: Tofazzal Md Rakib, Shashank Chetty Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/79964/genome-editing-in-hepatocellular-carcinoma-liver-targeted-delivery-and-immune-microenvironment-control