The chemokine CXCL9 inhibits neoangiogenesis and liver fibrosis in vivo

Aims: Recently we identified CXCR3 and its ligand CXCL9 as an antifibrotic pathway in the liver (Wasmuth et al. Gastroenterology 2009). Notably, ligands of CXCR3 also have angiostatic actions, rendering them as potential therapeutic options in liver fibrosis. The aims of the current projects were to characterise neoangiogenesis in CXCR3-/- and wild-type mice after CCl4 treatment and to investigate the possibility of influencing experimental liver fibrosis and angiogenesis by systemic administration of CXCL9. Methods: Liver fibrosis was induced by repeated injections of CCl4 in CXCR3-/- and wild-type mice. In a s…