The intestines harbor numerous gut bacteria, and these bacteria, along with their associated substances, often enter the liver via the portal vein. Particularly in conditions where the barrier function of the intestines is compromised, such as ulcerative colitis or leaky gut syndrome, many gut bacteria and associated substances can easily enter the liver, leading to inflammation in the liver. However, it has not been well understood which cell types in the liver are responsible for preventing the inflammation, where they are located, and how they accomplish this task.

Yu Miyamoto, Masaru Ishii (Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University/WPI-IFReC) and the research group revealed the periportal localization of a resident macrophage subtype highly expressing the scavenger receptor, Marco, and the anti-inflammatory protein, interleukin-10. 
#online publishing in Nature on April 24, 2024

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Prof. Masaru Ishii

mishii＠icb.med.osaka-u.ac.jp

Immunology and Cell Biology