Hepatic Stellate Cells (HSC)

Hepatic stellate cells ( HSC), also known as perisinusoidal cells or Ito cells , are pericytes found in the perisinusoidal spaceof the liver also known as the space of Disse. The stellate cell is the major cell type involved in liver fibrosis, which is the formation of scar tissue in response to liver damage.In normal liver, stellate cells are described as being in a quiescent state. When the liver is damaged, stellate cells can change into an activated state. The activated stellate cell is characterized by proliferation, contractility, and chemotaxis. The senescent hepatic stellate cells have been demonstrated to limit liver fibrosis by activating the immune system by activating interactions with the NK cells. Understanding the molecular regulation of HSteC activation may lead to the development of new therapies for treatment of hepatic fibrosis and chronic liver disease.