Role of Kupfer cells in development of the immune response in liver transplantation

Ziamko V.Y., Okulich V.K., Dzyadzko А.М.

Vitebsk State Medical University, Vitebsk, Belarus
Minsk Scientific and Practical Center of Surgery, Transplantation and Hematology, Minsk, Belarus

Kupffer cells are a large collection of resident tissue macrophages derived from monocytes and producing pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, proteases and oxygen radicals that promote the induction and stimulation of immunity to various pathogens, but at the same time can lead to liver damage. This review provides a better idea of the mechanism of graft rejection due to hyperactivation of Kupffer cells. Possible methods of inhibition of Kupffer cells without the subsequent development of hepatotoxicity are considered that may have a potential to prevent a hyperimmune response and organ rejection.