Clec3b⁺ fibroblasts are the primary effectors of portal fibrosis following activation via a KLF4/periostin axis.

Key Points

• This research aims to identify the role of portal fibroblasts in portal fibrosis and the regulatory mechanism involving the KLF4/POSTN axis.
• Investigated the activation of portal fibroblasts in relation to fibrosis.
• Analyzed the KLF4/POSTN signaling pathway as a mechanism of fibroblast activation.
• Portal fibroblasts were confirmed as the primary contributors to portal fibrosis.
• KLF4/POSTN signaling was identified as a key regulator of portal fibroblast activation.