Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 6, 2026
12:36
Murine Precision-Cut Liver Slices as an Ex Vivo Model of Liver Biology
Published on: March 14, 2020
Pattern recognition receptors: a contemporary view on liver diseases
Gyongyi Szabo1, Angela Dolganiuc, Pranoti Mandrekar
1Liver Center, Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA. gyongyi.szabo@umassmed.edu
Hepatology (Baltimore, Md.)
|July 28, 2006
Summary
Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) sense microbial signals to trigger immune responses in the liver. This review explores PRR roles in liver health, disease, and as therapeutic targets.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Hepatology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) are crucial for detecting microbial danger signals and initiating vertebrate immune responses.
- PRRs are expressed in various liver cells, including immune cells and hepatocytes, influencing pathogen recognition and liver injury.
- The liver's complex cellular environment presents unique challenges and opportunities for immune surveillance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the diverse roles of PRRs in pathogen recognition within the liver.
- To focus on the involvement of PRRs in hepatic inflammation, cholestasis, ischemia, tissue repair, and fibrosis.
- To evaluate the potential of PRRs as novel therapeutic targets for liver diseases.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on PRRs in liver immunity.
- Analysis of PRR involvement in various liver pathologies.
- Evaluation of therapeutic strategies targeting PRRs.
Main Results:
- PRRs play a significant role in initiating immune responses to pathogens in the liver.
- PRRs are implicated in the pathogenesis of hepatic inflammation, cholestasis, ischemia, and fibrosis.
- Targeting PRRs shows promise for managing liver diseases.
Conclusions:
- PRRs are key regulators of liver immunity and disease.
- Understanding PRR function is vital for developing new therapies for liver conditions.
- PRRs represent promising targets for future therapeutic interventions in hepatology.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Cirrhosis I: Introduction
Cirrhosis is a chronic, irreversible liver disease characterized by the widespread replacement of healthy liver tissue with fibrotic scar tissue and the formation of regenerative nodules.Etiology of cirrhosisCirrhosis results from sustained liver injury that triggers progressive fibrosis and structural remodeling. The underlying causes are diverse, encompassing common and less frequent clinical conditions. Regardless of the origin, all causes lead to chronic inflammation, hepatocyte loss, and...
01:24Cirrhosis II: Pathophysiology
Cirrhosis is a progressive chronic liver injury caused by prolonged inflammation, excessive fibrotic remodeling, and impaired regeneration. Over time, repeated hepatic insults disrupt the liver’s architecture and function, leading to reduced blood flow, impaired bile drainage, and diminished metabolic capacity.Pathophysiology of cirrhosisCirrhosis arises from three main responses to chronic liver damage: inflammation, immune activation, and hepatocyte death. These processes lead to structural...
01:24Liver Regeneration
The liver is an important organ in vertebrates that plays an essential role in metabolism. It is also responsible for storing and redistributing nutrients such as carbohydrates, fats, and vitamins in the body. Additionally, the liver releases bile salts which are critical for digesting food and eliminating toxic metabolites from the body.
Cells of Liver
The liver comprises four major types of cells— hepatocytes, stellate, Kupffer, and sinusoidal endothelial cells. The hepatocytes are large...
Cells of Liver
The liver comprises four major types of cells— hepatocytes, stellate, Kupffer, and sinusoidal endothelial cells. The hepatocytes are large...
01:31Transducer Mechanism: Nuclear Receptors
Nuclear receptors, or NRs, are unique transcription factors that regulate gene transcription and affect the cellular pathways involved in reproduction, development, or metabolism. Their ability to be stimulated by small lipophilic ligands and control vital cellular processes makes them ideal drug targets. Nearly 10-15% of currently prescribed drugs target these receptors.
About 48 different soluble family members of nuclear receptors are identified that can be divided into two main classes:
About 48 different soluble family members of nuclear receptors are identified that can be divided into two main classes:
01:26Diseases of the Liver and Gallbladder
Liver and gallbladder diseases are a significant health concern, with prominent conditions including cirrhosis, hepatitis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and gallstones. Jaundice is a common manifestation of liver and biliary disease.
Cirrhosis is characterized by the scarring of hepatic lobules in the liver, which are replaced by fibrous tissue, affecting the liver's normal functioning. NAFLD, on the other hand, is caused by an excessive build-up of fat in the liver, not related to...
Cirrhosis is characterized by the scarring of hepatic lobules in the liver, which are replaced by fibrous tissue, affecting the liver's normal functioning. NAFLD, on the other hand, is caused by an excessive build-up of fat in the liver, not related to...