Monocyte-derived macrophages play a crucial role in liver regeneration

Reviewed by Danielle Ellis, B.Sc.Sep 29 2023

The liver is a vital organ that plays a role in many essential functions, including digestion, detoxification, and metabolism. When the liver is damaged, it has the remarkable ability to regenerate itself. However, the process of liver regeneration is not fully understood.

A critical aspect of liver regeneration is removing dead tissue and necrotic lesions. In a recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, Feng et al. showed that monocyte-derived macrophages (MoMFs) play a crucial role in this process. MoMFs are a type of white blood cell that is recruited to the liver in response to injury. Once in the liver, MoMFs engulf dead cells and other debris. They also release chemicals that promote the healing process.

The researchers found that MoMFs undergo dynamic changes as they work to remove necrotic lesions. In the early stages of liver regeneration, MoMFs are pro-inflammatory. This means that they release chemicals that kill bacteria and other harmful invaders. However, in the later stages of liver regeneration, MoMFs become anti-inflammatory. This means that they release chemicals that promote healing and tissue repair.

The researchers also found that MoMFs interact with other cells in the liver to help remove necrotic lesions. For example, MoMFs interact with hepatocytes (liver cells) to help them regenerate. MoMFs also interact with stellate cells (liver cells that produce collagen) to help them form a scar around the necrotic lesion.

The authors also found that similar mechanisms are involved in the resolution of necrosis in other models of liver injury, such as Klebsiella pneumoniae infection and ischaemia/reperfusion. However, a different mechanism is likely in place in hepatotoxin/drug-induced liver injury models, such as carbon tetrachloride and acetaminophen.

The findings of this study suggest that macrophage-based immunotherapy approaches targeting hepatic necrosis could be a promising new treatment strategy for various liver diseases. For example, autologous macrophage therapy for liver fibrosis is already being investigated.

Clinical trials are needed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of macrophage-based immunotherapy approaches for treating hepatic necrosis. However, the findings of this study provide a strong foundation for developing these new therapies.