Chapter 5 - Cytokine Production and Signaling in Stellate Cells

Abstract

Accumulating evidence obtained in past years has indicated that hepatic stellate cells are not simply the producers of extracellular matrix, but rather the coordinators of the hepatic wound-healing response. A pivotal characteristic of these cells is their ability to crosstalk with other resident and infiltrating cells within the liver, ultimately creating a network that regulates inflammation, fibrosis, regeneration, cancer, and the stem cell niche. A critical characteristic of stellate cells is their ability to secrete a number of soluble mediators, including cytokines, with relevant biologic effects on themselves and on neighboring cells. In turn, various cytokines produced by other liver cells elicit potent actions on stellate cells and influence their biologic functions. In this chapter, we discuss the major cytokines secreted by stellate cells, and briefly outline their significance in fibrogenesis and in liver cell biology. In addition, the significance of activation of the major signaling pathways activated by cytokines released in the liver is summarized.