title: B cells: no longer bystanders in liver fibrosis.
abstract: Cytokines secreted by cells that mediate the innate and adaptive immune responses play a critical role in regulating the synthesis of ECM components by fibroblasts. Overexpression and deposition of ECM components are dominant features of fibrotic diseases, including hepatic fibrosis. The contribution of CD4+ Th2 cells to hepatic fibrosis has been well described. Now, in this issue of the JCI, Novobrantseva et al. provide data to suggest that hepatic B cells also play a role in liver injury (see the related article beginning on page 3072). In a carbon tetrachloride-induced mouse model of hepatic fibrosis, T cell-deficient mice developed severe liver fibrosis; however, in B cell-deficient animals, hepatic fibrosis was attenuated. This study provides new insight into our understanding of the cells involved in mediating the adaptive immune response that leads to hepatic fibrosis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Microbiology, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA.
authors.forename: Rashpal K
authors.initials: RK
authors.lastname: Bhogal
authors.forename: Constantin A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Bona
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D024201:Bystander Effect / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology*