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Updated: Apr 19, 2026

Induction of an Inflammatory Response in Primary Hepatocyte Cultures from Mice
Published on: March 10, 2017
Hepatocyte growth factor: A regulator of inflammation and autoimmunity
Nicolas Molnarfi1, Mahdia Benkhoucha1, Hiroshi Funakoshi2
1Department of Pathology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland; Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Division of Neurology, Unit of Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis, University Hospital of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
Abstract:
Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is a pleiotropic cytokine that has been extensively studied over several decades, but was only recently recognized as a key player in mediating protection of many types of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. HGF was reported to prevent and attenuate disease progression by influencing multiple pathophysiological processes involved in inflammatory and immune response, including cell migration, maturation, cytokine production, antigen presentation, and T cell effector function. In this review, we discuss the actions and mechanisms of HGF in inflammation and immunity and the therapeutic potential of this factor for the treatment of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.
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