Spatial transcriptomic profiling of chronic hepatitis across major etiologies
This study aims to clarify how major causes of chronic hepatitis, including alcohol associated liver disease, metabolic dysfunction associated steatohepatitis, and chronic viral hepatitis B and C, shape spatially organized microenvironments in the human liver. Using sequencing based spatial transcriptomics and a viral aware workflow that allows in situ detection of hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus RNA, we profile liver resection specimens to map disease specific niches, immune mesenchymal interactions, and hepatocytic programs. The resulting spatial gene expression data provide a resource for studies on pathogenesis, liver immunology, and the identification of potential therapeutic targets in chronic liver disease.