Activated Hepatic Stellate Cells Induce Infiltration and Formation of CD163⁺ Macrophages via CCL2/CCR2 Pathway.

ABSTRACT: Background: Activated hepatic stellate cells (aHSCs) regulate the function of immune cells during liver fibrosis. As major innate cells in the liver, macrophages have inducible plasticity. Nevertheless, the mechanisms through which aHSCs regulate macrophages' phenotype and function during liver fibrosis and cirrhosis remain unclear. In this study, we examined the immunoregulatory function of aHSCs during liver fibrosis and explored their role in regulating macrophage phenotype and function. Methods: A total of 96 patients with different stages of chronic hepatitis B-related liver fibrosis were recruited in the study. Metavir score system was used to evaluate the degree of fibrosis. The expression of hepatic CCL2 and M2 phenotype macrophage marker CD163 were detected by immuno

SUBMITTER: Xi S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7893116 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature