Immune-mediated hepatitis drives low-level fusion between hepatocytes and adult bone marrow cells

Abstract

Background/Aims: The role of adult bone marrow-derived cells (BMC) in hepatic regeneration is controversial. Both transdifferentiation of BMC as well as fusion with hepatocytes have been suggested in toxin-based and genetic selection models. Methods: We have developed a transgenic mouse model of immune-mediated hepatitis to clarify the role of BMC in liver regeneration following injury mediated by T cells. Results: Repeated adoptive transfer of transgenic T cells into bone marrow chimeras resulted in multiple waves of hepatitis. Hepatocytes derived from donor bone marrow were identified using a self-protein that does not interfere with hepatocyte function and proliferation in recipient anima..