What non-parenchymal cell types are present in the liver? 

Non-parenchymal cells (NPCs) are the diverse cell types found in the liver that are not hepatocytes. These cells make up approximately 30% of the total hepatic cell population. NPCs play a vital role in interacting with hepatocytes to maintain liver function, structure, and overall health. 

The population of non-parenchymal cells includes liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) (50%), Kupffer cells (KCs) (20%), lymphocytes (20-25%), cholangiocytes (3-5%), and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) (5-8%).

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Liver sinusoidal endothelial cells

Liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) are specialized endothelial cells characterized by fenestrations and the lack of a basement membrane. Their main functions include:

• • Regulating blood flow within the liver by controlling the passage of blood cells and substances between the bloodstream and hepatocytes. 
  • Contributing to immune responses by capturing and presenting antigens to immune cells, such as Kupffer cells. 
  • Helping to remove damaged or aged red blood cells and foreign particles from the blood within the liver.

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Kupffer cells

Kupffer cells (KCs) are specialized macrophages located within the liver sinusoids. Their primary function is to act as the liver’s resident immune cells.  They play a central role in immune surveillance, pathogen recognition, and the phagocytosis of bacteria, viruses, and other foreign particles that enter the bloodstream from the gut. 

Additionally, Kupffer cells are involved in the breakdown of red blood cells and iron recycling. Their prolonged activation is associated with many liver diseases, including metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). Activation of KCs is also associated with liver damage due to the transcription of pro-inflammatory cytokines.

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Lymphocytes

Hepatic lymphocytes are tissue-resident immune cells present in the liver including memory CD8+ T cells, Natural Killer T cells (NKTs), among others, involved in immune responses. Unlike circulating lymphocytes, these cells reside within the liver tissue. The composition of lymphocytes in the liver differs from other organs or even the blood, making it an organ of predominant innate immunity. 

 

Cholangiocytes 

Cholangiocytes are specialized epithelial cells found in the liver’s bile ducts. They contribute to bile production by secreting water and bicarbonate ions, which help to modify bile’s composition. 

Cholangiocytes play a crucial role in regulating the flow of bile within the liver and its transport to the gallbladder and small intestine. They aid in digestion and the elimination of waste products from the body.

Hepatic stellate cells

Hepatic stellate cells are pericytes that reside within the space of Disse. Their main function is to store vitamin A forming lipid droplets. Stellate cells activate and transdifferentiate into myofibroblast-like cells in response to liver injury and inflammation. 

Activated stellate cells play a crucial role in liver fibrosis by producing excessive extracellular matrix proteins, such as collagen. This overproduction can lead to liver scarring and impaired liver function

 

Find non-parenchymal cells to model liver microenvironment

The introduction of NPCs in in vitro liver models is key to reproducing accurately the hepatic microenvironment. The more components the model includes, the more precise and sensitive it will be to predict responses for studying liver physiology/pathology and conducting drug screenings. 

At BeCytes, we want to help you recreate the perfect human hepatic in vitro model and to do so, we offer a mixture of different types of non-parenchymal liver cells, which includes Kupffer cells, liver sinusoidal endothelial cells and liver endothelial cells, and hepatic stellate cells, in their native cell ratios. Besides, you can also find these cells individually.

NPCs are produced under rigorous QC Standards and supplied with specific certificates of analysis, with culture and maintenance protocols, and specific NPCs thawing media.

Do you need a specific hepatic cell type? If you do not find it in our portfolio, contact us. We can develop a specific project to isolate and purify your hepatic cells of interest.

 

References

Seo W, Jeong WI. Hepatic non-parenchymal cells: Master regulators of alcoholic liver disease? World J Gastroenterol. 2016 Jan 28;22(4):1348-56. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v22.i4.1348. 

Wang Y, Zhang C. The Roles of Liver-Resident Lymphocytes in Liver Diseases. Front Immunol. 2019 Jul 16;10:1582. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01582. 

Werner M, Driftmann S, Kleinehr K, Kaiser GM, Mathé Z, Treckmann JW, Paul A, Skibbe K, Timm J, Canbay A, Gerken G, Schlaak JF, Broering R. All-In-One: Advanced preparation of Human Parenchymal and Non-Parenchymal Liver Cells. PLoS One. 2015 Sep 25;10(9):e0138655. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0138655.

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