A complex network of intra- and intercellular mediators regulate cellular activation and transdifferentiation of hepatic stellate cells

摘要

HEPATIC STELLATE CELLS IN NORMAL AND FIBROTIC LIVERHepatic stellate cells (HSC) present a highly dynamic phenotype with diverse functions in normal liver. They are crucial in controlling vitamin A metabolism and homeostasis, influence the sinusoidal blood flow, synthesize a plurality of extracellular matrix constituents, are part of complex intercellular networks, and synthesize important mediators such as erythropoietin, constituents of the plasminogen activation system, and a broad set of different cytokines and chemokines. Most recently it was demonstrated that they encompass antigen-presenting functions presenting specific antigenic peptides to CD8~+ and CD4~+ T cells and further mediate cross-priming of CD8~+ T cells.