Abstract: Hepatocarcinoma is one of the most prevalent gastroenterological cancers in the world with less effective therapy. Excepting for its diagnosis in liver cancer, AFP has become the target for liver cancer immunotherapy. Although AFP’s immunogenicity is weak and can promote the immune escapes by inhibiting the function of dendritic cells, natural killer cells and T lymphocytes, AFP has drawn more attention in liver cancer immunotherapy. By in vitro modification, the immunogenicity and immune effect of AFP could be enhanced. The important role of AFP in development, progression and immunity of liver cancer lays a better basis in hepatocarcinoma immunotherapy.

Key words: alpha fetoprotein, hepatocarcinoma immunity, peptide vaccine, heat shock protein