Macrophages as a Cell-Based Therapy for Liver Disease
Philip J Starkey Lewis1, Francesca Moroni1, Stuart J Forbes1
1MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.
Seminars in Liver Disease
|June 27, 2019
Summary
Macrophages show promise as a cell therapy for liver disease, offering new ways to restore liver function beyond transplantation. Their immune functions and ability to clear damaged cells make them ideal candidates for treating liver failure.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Hepatology
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Liver failure from acute and chronic liver disease is a significant unmet clinical need.
- Orthotopic liver transplantation is a current option but faces limitations.
- Cell therapies present novel strategies for liver function recovery and pathology resolution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the rationale and utility of macrophages as a potential cell therapy for liver disease.
- To explore the therapeutic potential of macrophage-based treatments.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on macrophage biology and function in liver disease.
- Analysis of macrophage capabilities relevant to liver regeneration and immune modulation.
Main Results:
- Macrophages are professional phagocytes crucial for innate immunity.
- Their diverse functions include clearing apoptotic cells and modulating the tissue microenvironment.
- These characteristics position macrophages as attractive candidates for cell therapy.
Conclusions:
- Macrophages possess unique properties making them suitable for cell-based therapies in liver disease.
- Further research into macrophage utility could lead to new treatments for liver failure.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Diseases of the Liver and Gallbladder
1.9K
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...
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...
1.9K
00:59Gene Therapy
27.4K
Gene therapy is a technique where a gene is inserted into a person’s cells to prevent or treat a serious disease. The added gene may be a healthy version of the gene that is mutated in the patient, or it could be a different gene that inactivates or compensates for the patient’s disease-causing gene. For example, in patients with severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) due to a mutation in the gene for the enzyme adenosine deaminase, a functioning version of the gene can be...
27.4K
01:22Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Pathophysiologic Assessment and Liver Function Test
188
In clinical practice, the direct measurement of hepatic blood flow to evaluate liver function presents significant challenges due to the intricate and specialized nature of the necessary techniques. Consequently, healthcare professionals often rely on empirical estimates derived from thorough patient examinations and liver function tests to gauge liver health. Among the tools at their disposal, the Child–Pugh and MELD scoring systems stand out for their ability to categorize and assess...
188
01:30Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Diagnostic Studies and Management I-Nutritional Therapy
655
Various diagnostic tests are employed in the diagnostic process for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), particularly to differentiate between Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
Diagnostic studies
A colonoscopy is the definitive screening test, distinguishing ulcerative colitis from other colon diseases with similar symptoms. During a colonoscopy test, inflamed mucosa with exudate ulcerations can be observed, and biopsies are taken to determine the histologic characteristics of the...
Diagnostic studies
A colonoscopy is the definitive screening test, distinguishing ulcerative colitis from other colon diseases with similar symptoms. During a colonoscopy test, inflamed mucosa with exudate ulcerations can be observed, and biopsies are taken to determine the histologic characteristics of the...
655
01:21Stem Cell Therapy for Tissue Regeneration
4.6K
Stem cell therapy is a method used in regenerative medicine to repair and restore function to damaged tissues and organs. Stem cells have the potential to proliferate and differentiate into various tissue types, making them ideal candidates for tissue regeneration. For example, hematopoietic stem cell transplants are commonly used in blood cancer treatment to replenish damaged bone marrow and restore healthy blood cells.
Types of Stem Cells used in Stem Cell Therapy
The two main cell...
Types of Stem Cells used in Stem Cell Therapy
The two main cell...
4.6K
01:26Group Therapy
379
Group therapy is a sociocultural approach to psychological treatment, where individuals with shared psychological challenges come together under the guidance of a mental health professional. This therapeutic modality offers unique opportunities for individuals to connect, share, and grow within the context of a supportive group. By fostering mutual understanding and collaboration, group therapy can address a range of psychological concerns effectively, often complementing or surpassing the...
379