The CXCR3 ligand CXCL9 attenuates neoangiogenesis and liver fibrosis in vivo

Aims: Recently, we could show that CXCR3-/- mice display exaggerated liver fibrosis compared to wild-type littermates after chronic CCl4 treatment (Wasmuth et al. Gastroenterology 2009). Notably, CXCL9, the ligand of CXCR3, has also angiostatic effects. The aims of this project were to quantify angiogenesis in CXCR3-/- and wild-type mice after CCl4 treatment and to study the feasibility of modulating liver fibrosis and neoangiogenesis by CXCL9. Methods: Liver fibrosis was induced by repeated injections of CCl4 in CXCR3-/- and wild-type mice. In a separate experiment, CXCL9 or vehicle was administered in parallel…