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. 2020 Jun 3;15(6):e0234038. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0234038

Fig 9. Schematic summary of P2RX7 in NASH-affected livers and effects of P2RX7 pharmacological inhibition in vitro and in vivo.

Fig 9

NASH-affected livers show greater number of cells expressing P2RX7, NLRP3 inflammasome activation, IL-1β, CCL2/CCL5 and fibrosis. P2RX7 is expressed by infiltrating MOs and resident KCs in the livers of NASH-affected individuals. Pharmacological inhibition of P2RX7 in human primary CD14+ MOs and KCs block IL-1β release and differentially modulates their inflammatory response. Reduced P2RX7-dependent IL-1β secretion from MOs and KCs results in decreased hepatocyte damage, chemokine secretion, and HSCs fibrosis. P2RX7 pharmacological inhibition in a more clinically translatable animal model results in significant protection from inflammation and fibrosis.