Kupffer cells are central to mitigating intravascular infections

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Cell Biology
• Hepatology

Background:

• Kupffer cells (KCs) are the primary resident macrophages in the liver.
• KCs play a critical role in immune surveillance and clearing pathogens from the bloodstream.

Purpose of the Study:

• This review highlights the essential contributions of Kupffer cells to host defense against intravascular infections.
• It focuses on recent findings regarding KC functions in infection.

Main Methods:

• This is a mini-review, synthesizing existing research.
• It discusses findings related to KC origins, self-renewal, functional plasticity, and trained immunity.

Main Results:

• Kupffer cells are frontline responders, phagocytosing microorganisms.
• KCs exhibit remarkable functional plasticity and trained immunity.
• However, KCs can be overwhelmed and succumb to certain infections.

Conclusions:

• Understanding KC-pathogen interactions is key to improving anti-infective therapies.
• Future research should investigate pathogen evasion mechanisms and strategies to enhance KC antimicrobial functions.
• Developing humanized KC models with relevant environmental factors is essential for comprehensive understanding.