Single-cell atlas of 77 liver disease patients pinpoints pro-fibrotic macrophage target
A liver single‑cell atlas of 77 patients with chronic liver disease has identified two distinct TREM2+ scar‑associated macrophage subpopulations. One of these subpopulations drives fibrosis while the other does not. The study, published in Nature Genetics, highlights OLR1 as a candidate therapeutic target that can selectively modulate the pro‑fibrotic macrophage functions and reduce liver scarring. Monocyte‑derived macrophages have long been linked to fibrosis, but the exact harmful phenotype had remained unclear.
Patients with chronic liver disease may benefit if OLR1 can be targeted to reduce scarring without disrupting other macrophage activity.
Written by the Genomes desk from the primary source cited and linked above and checked against it. Research use only; not medical advice. Corrections: [email protected].