Activated hepatic stellate cell surface proteins (aHSC surface proteins)

Activated hepatic stellate cell (aHSC) surface proteins are a collection of receptors and glycoproteins that become highly expressed during the activation of quiescent HSCs into myofibroblasts, a key event in liver fibrosis (Borkham-Kamphorst & Weiskirchen, 2016). Prominent members of this group include Platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta (PDGFR-β), various integrins (such as αvβ3), and the p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR), all of which facilitate cell proliferation, migration, and extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition (Henderson & Iredale, 2007). These proteins serve as critical therapeutic targets; for instance, tyrosine kinase inhibitors like Sorafenib target PDGFR-β to reduce fibrogenic signaling. Additionally, these surface markers are exploited for targeted drug delivery, where ligands like Vitamin A or M6P are used to direct nanoparticles containing siRNA or small molecules specifically to aHSCs (Sato et al., 2008). While targeting these proteins offers a pathway to treat chronic liver diseases like cirrhosis and NASH, challenges remain regarding the specificity of these markers and the potential for off-target effects in non-hepatic tissues (Passino et al., 2007).

Other names

aHSC surface markersHepatic stellate cell activation markersMyofibroblastic hepatic stellate cell surface antigens

Antagonism of growth factor receptors, inhibition of integrin-mediated adhesion, and ligand-mediated targeted delivery of antifibrotic cargo.