Injection of embryonic stem cell derived macrophages ameliorates fibrosis in a murine model of liver injury

Abstract

Stem cell-derived macrophages could treat liver fibrosis Macrophages, a type of white blood cell, when derived from embryonic stem cells in the laboratory reduce fibrosis in chronic liver disease. Lesley Forrester and colleagues from the University of Edinburgh found murine embryonic stem-cell-derived macrophages (ESDM) were morphologically similar to bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM), previously found to reduce fibrosis and improve liver function in mice with induced liver injury. Using a novel technique, the team found ESDM engulfed fewer particles at a slower rate than BMDM, indicating ESDM were less inflammatory. A higher dose of ESDM was required to have the same effect of BMDM to help liver fibrosis regression. However, they were more efficient in repopulating mouse livers depleted of liver-specific macrophages and also significantly improved liver function, indicating ESDM were similar to resident macrophages in the liver and had therapeutic potential.