Activated hepatic stellate cells promote expression of regulatory T cells

Abstract

Objective Accumulating reports have suggested that hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) exhibit immunosuppressive ability and may be responsible for the occurrence and development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).The mechanisms through which HSCs affect T-cell-induced adaptive immune responses and the relationship with the regulatory T cells (Treg cells) were studied.Methods We isolated HSCs from wildtype mice to demonstrate the influence of HSCs on T-cell proliferation and explored their effect on Treg cells through mixed leukocyte reactions (MLRs) in vitro.Results We found that activated HSCs could induce T-cell hyporesponsiveness in adaptive immune response by inhibiting the proliferation of T cells andincreasing the quantity of Treg cells.Conclusion Activated HSCs may lead to hypoergia of T cells in adaptive immune reaction and up-regulate the expression of Treg cells,thus facilitating immunotolarance. Key words: Hepatic stellate cell; T cell; Regulatory T cells