The Role of Autophagy and NLRP3 Inflammasome in Liver Fibrosis

Figure 2

Inflammatory cells are involved in HSC activation. As shown in the picture, NF-κB pathway inflammatory cells of the liver can be activated through cytokines, such as IL-1β and TNF-α. After that, various profibrotic factors will be released and activate HSCs. Besides, the TGF-β, produced by inflammatory cells, can also activate HSCs via the TGF-β/Smad pathway.