Intravital imaging of splenic classical monocytes modifying the hepatic CX3CR1⁺ cells motility to exacerbate liver fibrosis via spleen-liver axis.

ABSTRACT: CX3CR1⁺ cells play a crucial role in liver fibrosis progression. However, changes in the migratory behavior and spatial distribution of spleen-derived and hepatic CX3CR1⁺ cells in the fibrotic liver as well as their influence on the liver fibrosis remain unclear.

Methods

The CX3CR1^GFP/+ transgenic mice and CX3CR1-KikGR transgenic mice were used to establish the CCl4-induced liver fibrosis model. Splenectomy, adoptive transfusion of splenocytes, in vivo photoconversion of splenic CX3CR1⁺ cells and intravital imaging were performed to study the spatial distribution, migration and movement behavior, and regulatory function of CX3CR1⁺ cells in liver fibrosis.

Results

Intravital imaging revealed that the CX3CR1^GFP<

SUBMITTER: Han C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10945343 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature