Liver Fibrosis
Test efficacy of anti-fibrotic drugs in a clinically relevant 3D disease model
Various stimuli such as viral infection, drugs, alcohol, and toxicants can damage hepatocytes, and activate Kupffer cells and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). This damage can lead to the development of liver fibrosis (read more), characterized by the accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM).
Activation of HSCs and their trans-differentiation from quiescent, vitamin-A-storing cells into proliferative, fibrogenic myofibroblasts is well established as a central driver of fibrosis in experimental and human liver injury. Activated HSCs express smooth muscle actin and ECM proteins such as collagens type I, III, IV, and fibronectin.
The 3D InSight™ Human Liver Fibrosis Model is based on 3D InSight™ Liver Microtissue technology and engineered to include the primary human hepatocytes, HSCs, Kupffer cells, and liver endothelial cells (LECs) needed to recapitulate the fibrotic disease state upon induction. This model is suitable for the efficacy testing of both disease-inhibiting and disease-reverting drugs.
- Test induction and prevention of liver fibrosis through activation or in-activation of hepatic stellate cells
- Study fibrosis-related cell parameters, including HSC activation, ECM deposition, and changes in pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic marker mRNA and protein expression
- Screen efficacy of anti-fibrotic drugs in a high-throughput compatible and cost-effective platform amenable to IHC, imaging, and gene/protein profiling endpoints
Example Data
Fibrosis is induced by 7-day exposure to TGF-β in the 3D InSight™ Human Liver Fibrosis Model, which is comprised of primary human hepatocytes, HSCs, Kupffer cells, and LECs. The fibrotic disease state is detected by increased expression of pro-fibrogenic markers.
