Re-programming of Kupffer Cells for immune regulation in response to ConA-induced liver injury

Introduction: In the mouse model of concanavalin A (ConA) induced hepatitis Kupffer cells (KCs) secrete large amounts of hepato-destructive TNFα. Sublethal doses of ConA induce tolerance towards ConA hepatitis in mice within less than two weeks and KCs secrete large amounts of IL–10 upon a second ConA dose. This study is intended to characterize the phenotype of Kupffer cells in ConA tolerant mice. Methods: Liver mononuclear cells were isolated via gradient centrifugation from tolerant mice 14 days after ConA administration or from control mice 14 days after saline administration. KCs were stained with F4/80 and…