我研究团队发现调控肝脏稳态的汇管区巨噬细胞新亚群

Core Insights - The research identifies a new macrophage subpopulation, CX3CR1 and CD63 double-positive macrophages, that plays a crucial role in maintaining liver immune homeostasis [1][2][3] - The study utilizes advanced imaging techniques to analyze the spatial arrangement and molecular phenotype of macrophages in the liver, revealing their unique transcriptional characteristics [2] - The findings suggest that this macrophage subpopulation is not only vital for immune regulation but also provides neuroprotection, indicating its potential as a therapeutic target for liver-related diseases [2][3] Group 1 - The study was conducted by researchers from Hainan University, focusing on the liver's unique immune cell composition and the role of macrophages in immune homeostasis [1] - The liver is described as a unique immune organ composed of various immune cells, with macrophages being essential for maintaining immune balance [1][2] - The research highlights the significance of the liver portal area, where dysfunction is linked to various liver diseases, yet the immune cell subpopulations and their mechanisms remain poorly understood [1] Group 2 - The researchers employed the Liver-CUBIC optical clearing imaging technology to achieve single-cell resolution imaging of the liver [2] - The study found that the liver portal area macrophage subpopulation plays a key role in immune homeostasis and neuroprotection by interacting with T cells and sympathetic nerves [2] - In a non-alcoholic steatohepatitis mouse model, the absence of this macrophage subpopulation led to increased neutrophil infiltration and aggravated sympathetic nerve damage, underscoring its importance [2] Group 3 - The research provides new insights into the spatial heterogeneity of liver portal area macrophages, contributing to the fields of liver immunology and neuroimmunology [3] - The findings may lead to the development of more effective macrophage-targeted therapies aimed at restoring tissue integrity or treating organ-specific diseases [3] - The accompanying commentary in Nature Immunology emphasizes the strategic positioning of these macrophage subpopulations in maintaining organ integrity [3]