Toll-like receptor signalling in non-parenchymal liver cells is modulated by dexamethasone

Background and aims: Only little is known about the role of the innate immune system of the liver in the local defense against HBV and HCV. Recent data from our lab suggested that non-parenchymal liver cells (NPC; Kupffer cells (KC), liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSEC)) can elicit potent antiviral responses against HBV and HCV after stimulation with Toll-like receptor agonists. The aim of this study was to study the impact of immunosuppressive treatment with glucocorticosteroid on the local innate immune response of the liver. Methods: Murine LSEC and KC were stimulated with TLR1–9 ligands and expression p…