Abstract
The activation of mesenchymal cells to matrix secreting myofibroblasts is central to the initiation and development of liver fibrosis. Understanding the mechanisms that govern this process is a vital step in the rational development of new anti-fibrotic therapies. Platelet-derived growth factors (PDGFs) and their cognate receptors play a key role in hepatic stellate cell and liver myofibroblast biology. In this review, we outline the major hepatic cellular sources of PDGFs and their modes of action during liver fibrogenesis. Furthermore, we examine how the PDGF pathway may represent a tractable anti-fibrotic target, and how the PDGF receptors may be harnessed to allow cell-specific delivery of therapeutics to help treat patients with liver fibrosis.
Published Version
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