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Semin Liver Dis 2015; 35(02): 107-118
DOI: 10.1055/s-0035-1550060
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Emerging and Disease-Specific Mechanisms of Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation

Michael C. Wallace
1   Division of Liver Diseases, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York
2   School of Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
,
Scott L. Friedman
1   Division of Liver Diseases, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York
,
Derek A. Mann
3   Fibrosis Laboratory, Institute of Cellular Medicine, New Castle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
› Author Affiliations
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Publication History

Publication Date:
14 May 2015 (online)

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Abstract

The last decade has seen a rapid expansion in our understanding of the mechanisms leading to hepatic stellate cell activation. The classic activation pathway of initiation, perpetuation and regression remains as a useful model; however, the emergence of several new pathways and mediators has revealed a deeper complexity than previously appreciated. Although core fibrogenic pathways exist across organs and disease types, there is accumulating evidence for disease- and context-specific mechanisms that may modulate or drive hepatic fibrogenesis. Hence, a “one size fits all” approach to antifibrotic therapy may not be appropriate for all disease settings. The authors present a focused and concise update of the most recent advances in our understanding of hepatic stellate cell activation pathways, while highlighting several challenges that may be constraining progress. This summary provides a foundation to further expand our knowledge of this unique cell type and its contributions to human liver disease.

Keywords

hepatic stellate cell - hepatic fibrosis - antifibrotic therapies - nonalcoholic fatty liver disease - chronic viral hepatitis
 

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