• Tim-1 is overexpressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and correlates with poor postoperative survival, suggesting its potential as a prognostic biomarker.
• Tim-1 promotes HCC progression by upregulating extracellular matrix (ECM)-related genes and activating hepatic stellate cells via cytokine secretion.
• Tim-1 enhances Th1 and Th2 cytokine production, contributing to a pro-tumorigenic inflammatory microenvironment.
• Targeting Tim-1 may offer a novel therapeutic strategy for HCC and liver fibrosis, potentially improving treatment outcomes.