About this Research Topic
Hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cells reside within specialized low shear vascular bed which constitutes the sinusoidal capillary network. Unlike other vascular endothelial cell populations, these cells exhibit unique functional, physical and phenotypic characteristics, which are vital to support the selective barrier and scavenging functions imposed by the dual arterial, and portal venous blood supply they are exposed to. These fenestrated endothelial cells contribute to the immune function of the liver by supporting immune cell recruitment and egress, immune tolerance, antigen presentation and selective transport of material into and out of the hepatic parenchyma . They also secrete mediators that maintain the mature differentiated functions of proximal hepatocytes and stellate cells. In the context of disease liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSEC) can change their nature and contribute to the development of chronic inflammation, fibrogenesis and carcinogenesis. Furthermore, altered fenestration dynamics and production of a mature basement matrix during disease exaggerates metabolic impairment, loss of synthetic function and compromised lipoprotein and drug handling in cirrhosis. Thus the vital contribution of these cells to liver homeostasis cannot be understated.
In this Research Topic we wish to consider articles that highlight the unique phenotype and function of LSEC and showcase their roles in the hepatic immune response in healthy and diseased tissue. We will feature articles that describe novel technology for the isolation and culture of this important cell population and demonstrate their unique functional capabilities. We will consider their roles in specific diseased settings and their influence on neighboring cell populations. We are also particularly interested in articles that consider modeling the inflammatory environment in the diseased and ageing liver and how incorporation of LSEC into 3D culture systems impacts upon hepatic functionality. This could include impacts on toxicological responses of the liver or clearance of drug components and nanoparticles by the LSEC. Novel technological advances in super resolution imaging, intravital microscopy and microfluidic technologies are also of keen interest. Both human and animal models of disease shed light on the unique immune functions of these cells and will be reflected in our content, and we are particularly interested in studies of hepatic endothelium using non-mammalian models such as Zebrafish. Finally articles that consider selective therapeutics directed against LSEC in chronic diseases will be of value.
In this Research Topic we wish to consider articles that highlight the unique phenotype and function of LSEC and showcase their roles in the hepatic immune response in healthy and diseased tissue. We will feature articles that describe novel technology for the isolation and culture of this important cell population and demonstrate their unique functional capabilities. We will consider their roles in specific diseased settings and their influence on neighboring cell populations. We are also particularly interested in articles that consider modeling the inflammatory environment in the diseased and ageing liver and how incorporation of LSEC into 3D culture systems impacts upon hepatic functionality. This could include impacts on toxicological responses of the liver or clearance of drug components and nanoparticles by the LSEC. Novel technological advances in super resolution imaging, intravital microscopy and microfluidic technologies are also of keen interest. Both human and animal models of disease shed light on the unique immune functions of these cells and will be reflected in our content, and we are particularly interested in studies of hepatic endothelium using non-mammalian models such as Zebrafish. Finally articles that consider selective therapeutics directed against LSEC in chronic diseases will be of value.
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
