hepatocyte growth factor-modified autologous bone marrow stromal cells

Hepatocyte growth factor-modified autologous bone marrow stromal cells (HGF-BMSCs) represent an advanced ex vivo gene and cell therapy designed to treat chronic liver diseases, particularly liver cirrhosis. The therapy involves harvesting bone marrow stromal cells (also known as mesenchymal stem cells) from the patient, which are then genetically modified—typically using a viral vector or plasmid—to overexpress the human hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) gene. HGF is a potent mitogen for hepatocytes and possesses significant anti-fibrotic and anti-apoptotic properties. Once these modified cells are re-infused into the patient, often via the hepatic artery or intravenous route, they home to the damaged liver tissue. There, they secrete HGF, which binds to the MET receptor (c-Met) on hepatocytes, stimulating cellular regeneration, inhibiting the activation of hepatic stellate cells to reduce fibrosis, and preventing further hepatocyte death. This dual approach leverages the regenerative potential of stem cells and the therapeutic bioactivity of HGF to restore liver function.

Other names

HGF-modified autologous bone marrow mesenchymal stem cellsHGF-modified BMSCsHGF-modified MSCs