Macrophage-derived cathepsin B disrupts intestinal tight junctions through occludin degradation and promotes alcohol-associated liver disease

Key Points

• Cathepsin B promotes degradation of occludin, leading to disrupted tight junctions in intestinal cells.
• Degradation of occludin decreases the integrity of tight junctions, which affects gut barrier function.
• Analysis of macrophage activity reveals a key involvement of cathepsin B in promoting alcohol-associated liver disease.
• These findings suggest potential targets for therapeutic interventions in alcohol-related liver conditions.