CtsB or CtsD silencing weakens HSC activation. CtsB and CtsD expression (A), proliferation (B), OAS1, α-SMA and TGB-β mRNA expression (C), and migration (D) after CtsB and/or CtsD silencing for 48h in 5 day-old HSC. CtsB activity (E) and α-SMA protein, and α-SMA and TGB-β mRNA expression (F) after Ca074Me challenge (10μmol/L) for 48h in 5-day old HSC. Data are mean±SD, in B and C, n=3 and *p≤ 0.05 vs. siRNA Ctrl transfected HSC; in E and F, n=3 and *p<0.001 vs. vehicle treated HSC.