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Certain messengers of the immune system promote liver regeneration
Severe diseases of the liver often require surgical intervention. In the subsequent regeneration of the liver, a special subgroup of cells of the innate immune system plays a special role, according to a recent study by scientists at the University Hospital Bern and the University Department of Surgery at the MedUni Vienna. They release neurotransmitters that can "promote the ability of the liver to regenerate after surgery," according to the MedUni Vienna.
According to the researchers, the so-called "natural killer cells" and the "lymphoid-like cells (ILC) of group 1" are significantly involved in the regeneration of the liver through the release of an endogenous immune-specific messenger substance (interleukin 22). The postoperative regeneration capacity of the liver is significantly increased with the help of the messenger substance. But also on the general regenerative power of the liver, the messenger substances could have a positive influence, which would open up new therapeutic approaches. The researchers have published the results of their study in the journal "Hepatology".
The regeneration of the liver is significantly influenced by messenger substances of certain cells of the immune system. (Image: ag visual / fotolia.com) Improved postoperative liver regeneration
The research team led by Guido Beldi from the University Department of Surgery in Bern and Patrick Starlinger from the University Department of Surgery at MedUni Vienna were able to prove in the current study "that the release of interleukin 22 from specific cells of the innate immune system (natural killer cells and lymphoid cells of the Group 1) and is associated with the postoperative liver regeneration. "The effect is apparently initiated by an increased release of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). This is a molecule "that is needed, among other things, as an energy source for the transport of particles within a cell," reports MedUni Vienna. In addition, the ATP receptor (P2X1) is modulated.
Adenosine triphosphate and interleukin 22
According to the researchers, intercellular communication through secretion of regulatory proteins (cytokines) is "an essential component of sufficient progression of liver regeneration in humans." The cytokine "interleukin 22 (IL-22)" produced by immune cells is already in place Previously a certain connection with the liver regeneration has been attributed. As early as 2013, the researchers also found that modification of the "natural killer cells" by ATP can decisively influence postoperative liver regeneration, "explains Guido Beldi. ATP is a molecule that is considered by its biochemical properties as the main energy storage of the cell, so Beldi on.
Direct clinical relevance
If ATP is released from the cells, it has, according to the scientists a decisive influence in the signal transmission between cells. "In the course of this ATP-controlled, intercellular information transfer, a receptor is activated which, depending on its nature, can release different factors and trigger reactions," explains Beldi. Now, for the first time, it has been demonstrated that ATP can influence the regeneration potential of the liver to an essential extent by activating the receptor (P2X1) and subsequently releasing IL-22. This process seems to have a direct clinical relevance. "We are particularly pleased that we were also able to provide information on the relevance of these mechanisms in humans. The results indicate that this process actually plays a central role and could therefore represent a potential therapeutic approach, "emphasizes Patrick Starlinger in the press release of MedUni Vienna. (Fp)