SIC Seminar Series - Professor Charlotte Scott

Title: Investigating the functional heterogeneity of hepatic macrophages

Incidences of MASLD, the hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome, are increasing at alarming rates. This, coupled with the relative paucity of therapies available, highlights the need for additional research into the mechanisms at play and possible therapeutic strategies. Macrophages are considered to be key drivers of MASLD pathogenesis; however, the precise roles of these cells remain enigmatic.

Recent studies using single cell technologies have demonstrated that the macrophage pool in MASLD is highly heterogeneous. One population that has caught our attention are the lipid-associated macrophages  (LAMs). These macrophages are specifically recruited to zones of steatosis and fibrosis, and their prevalence correlates with disease severity. However, functional studies of LAMs have yielded contradictory data, where LAMs are proposed to both drive and resolve fibrosis.

Moreover, while Kupffer cells (KCs), the resident macrophages of the liver are reduced in MASLD, the functional relevance of these cells and this reduction in KC numbers remains unclear. Thus, understanding the roles of these cells in MASLD pathogenesis is a key goal for the Scott lab and will be the focus of this talk.

If you are interested in meeting Charlotte, please reach out to John Rizk john.rizk@sund.ku.dk who is the organiser of this seminar.

A lunch and dinner will also be organised, and John will send out information separately.

All researchers and immunology enthusiasts are warmly invited to attend.

Note: This seminar will not be offered online.