Liver antigen-presenting cell receptors

Liver antigen-presenting cell receptors refer to a diverse group of surface proteins expressed on hepatic non-parenchymal cells, including Kupffer cells, liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs), and hepatic stellate cells. These receptors, such as the mannose receptor (CD206), LSECtin (CLEC4G), and various scavenger receptors, are essential for the liver's role as an immunological filter, facilitating the clearance of blood-borne pathogens and the induction of systemic immune tolerance to food-derived antigens [1, 3, 9]. They mediate the capture and processing of circulating glycoproteins and the presentation of antigens to T cells, often leading to T-cell exhaustion or the induction of regulatory T cells in the healthy liver [2, 5]. In pathological states such as hepatocellular carcinoma and chronic viral hepatitis, these receptors are frequently exploited by tumors or pathogens to evade immune surveillance [13, 15]. Consequently, they are being investigated as therapeutic targets for immune-modulating therapies, such as checkpoint inhibitors, and as docking sites for liver-specific drug delivery systems using mannosylated or other ligand-conjugated carriers [6, 15, 16].

Other names

Liver APC receptorsLiver sinusoidal endothelial cell receptorsKupffer cell receptorsHepatic APC receptors