Schistosome-Induced Fibrotic Disease: The Role of Hepatic Stellate Cells

Jack P. Carson, Grant A. Ramm, Mark W. Robinson, Donald P. McManus, Geoffrey N. Gobert*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

76 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Hepatic fibrosis is a common pathology in various liver diseases. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the main cell type responsible for collagen deposition and fibrosis formation in the liver. Schistosomiasis is characterised by granulomatous fibrosis around parasite eggs trapped within the liver and other host tissues. This response is facilitated by the recruitment of immune cells and the activation of HSCs. The interactions between HSCs and schistosome eggs are complex and diverse, and a better understanding of these interactions could lead to improved resolution of fibrotic liver disease, including that associated with schistosomiasis. Here, we discuss recent advances in HSC biology and the role of HSCs in hepatic schistosomiasis.

Original languageEnglish
Number of pages17
JournalTrends in Parasitology
Early online date08 Mar 2018
DOIs
Publication statusEarly online date - 08 Mar 2018

Keywords

  • collagen
  • fibrosis
  • hepatic stellate cell
  • Schistosoma
  • schistosomiasis

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Parasitology
  • Infectious Diseases

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