AFP

Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a glycoprotein mainly synthesized by the liver and yolk sac during embryonic development. It has various functions such as maintaining normal development, regulating immune response, and promoting hematopoiesis in fetuses. In clinical practice, AFP is an essential biomarker for the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma, and its expression level is positively correlated with tumor malignancy. This may be because AFP can activate proto-oncogenes and anti-apoptosis genes, and reduce the proliferation of cytotoxic T cells and the cytokine secretion of NK cells and macrophages. However, AFP can also be expressed in benign lesions such as hepatitis and cirrhosis, so it is often used in combination with ARG1, HSP70, GPC3, GS, and other antibodies. In addition, some scholars found the hepatoid adenocarcinoma that can abnormal expressed AFP in gastrointestinal tract， and AFP in this rare tumor can promote epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and tumor angiogenesis. Therefore, AFP has important reference value in patient prognosis evaluation.