Hepatic stellate cell derived lipid droplets drive protumoral M2 macrophage polarization in hepatocellular carcinoma

Key Points

• The study aims to explore how activated hepatic stellate cells influence macrophage behavior in hepatocellular carcinoma.
• Investigated the interaction between activated hepatic stellate cells and hepatic macrophages
• Examined the transfer of lipid droplets from HSCs to macrophages
• Assessed the polarization of macrophages in the presence of HSCs
• Activated HSCs transfer lipid droplets to macrophages, leading to M2 polarization
• M2 macrophages contribute to a pro-tumorigenic environment in hepatocellular carcinoma
• This mechanism suggests potential targets for therapeutics in chronic liver disease