Monkey Hepatic Stellate Cells

Monkey Hepatic Stellate Cells (MoHSteC) are intralobular connective tissue cells presenting myofibroblast-like or lipocyte phenotypes. They participate in the homeostasis of liver extracellular matrix, repair, regeneration, fibrosis and they regulate retinol metabolism, storage and release. Following liver injury, MoHSteC transform into myofibroblast-like cells; furthermore they are the major source of type I collagen in the fibrotic liver. Beyond these features, MoHSteC act as regulators of hepatic microcirculation via cell contraction, moreover in disease states, in the pathogenesis of intrahepatic portal hypertension. MoHSteC proliferation, migration, and chemokine expression play key roles in liver inflammation and fibrogenesis. New insight into the molecular regulation of Monkey Hepatic Stellate Cells activation will lead to therapeutic approaches in treatment of hepatic fibrosis. HSteC could lead to reduced morbidity and mortality in patients with chronic liver injury.