On February 7, 2024, the Journal of Hepatology (IF=25.7) published a research  paper titled "Increased Siglec-9/Siglec-9L Interaction in NK Cells Predicts Poor HCC Prognosis and Can be a Targetable Checkpoint for Immunotherapy" online. Professors Ma Chunhong and Liang Xiaohong from the School of Basic Medicine, Professor Liu Xinyong from the School of Pharmacy, and Professor Han Bo from the Pathology Department of Qilu Hospital at Shandong University are co-authors. Xiao Rong and a postdoctoral researcher are listed as co-first authors. Shandong University is recognized as the first author unit and the sole communication author unit.

The study successfully identified a small molecular compound, MTX-3937, targeting Siglec-9, with potential for treating liver cancer. This discovery provides a new target  

and strategy for immunotherapy in liver cancer treatment