Evidence for differential modulation of liver fibrogenesis by selective inhibition of the chemokine receptor CCR1 in a toxic model but not Abcb4-/- mice

Aims: Recently recruitment of peripheral blood monocytes via CCR2 stimulation has been shown to induce liver fibrosis in a toxic mouse model of liver fibrosis. In humans, monocyte recruitment is also influenced by CCR1 signalling. Inhibition of CCR1 signalling by a specific non-peptide inhibitor (BX471) reduces kidney fibrosis after unilateral ureteral obstruction. However, currently it remains unclear whether selective CCR1 inhibition may also influence liver fibrogenesis. We therefore aimed to study the effect of CCR1 inhibition on liver fibrosis in a toxic mouse model and Abcb4-/- mice, which develop biliary…