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Updated: Mar 24, 2026

Kupffer Cell Isolation for Nanoparticle Toxicity Testing
Published on: August 18, 2015
Kupffer Cell Metabolism and Function
Anh Thu Nguyen-Lefebvre1, Anatolij Horuzsko2
1Cancer Center, Molecular Oncology Program, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA.
Abstract:
Kupffer cells are resident liver macrophages and play a critical role in maintaining liver functions. Under physiological conditions, they are the first innate immune cells and protect the liver from bacterial infections. Under pathological conditions, they are activated by different components and can differentiate into M1-like (classical) or M2-like (alternative) macrophages. The metabolism of classical or alternative activated Kupffer cells will determine their functions in liver damage. Special functions and metabolism of Kupffer cells suggest that they are an attractive target for therapy of liver inflammation and related diseases, including cancer and infectious diseases. Here we review the different types of Kupffer cells and their metabolism and functions in physiological and pathological conditions.
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