Fig. 3

Expression profiles of immune proteins on colorectal CSCs. A The expression of MHC class I molecules on colorectal CSCs is downregulated, making them difficult to recognize and kill by CD8⁺ T cells. B NK cells are activated by receptors such as NKG2D and natural cytotoxicity receptors (NCRs), which recognize and kill CSCs in an MHC-independent manner. C Colorectal CSCs express high levels of the immune checkpoint PD-L1, which can inhibit the antitumor immune effect of T cells. D PD-L1 and colorectal CSC-related genes are downstream of the same transcriptional element. The ARID3B-KDM4C complex regulates chromatin state to activate downstream Notch target genes, CRC stemness genes and PD-L1 transcriptional expression. In addition, PD-L1 is the direct target gene of the Wnt/β-catenin, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, and STAT3 signaling pathways