Fig. 7

The hypothetical pathway through which hUC-MSC infusion disrupts the development of ALF. Toxin injection destroys hepatocytes (HC), inducing the release of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), which activate resident Kupffer cells (KC). KCs then release cytokines including IL-6, fueling the circulating monocytes (c-Mos) to secret more IL-6 and activate more c-Mos, and as a result, cytokine storm occurs. Meanwhile, the activated c-Mos migrate to the liver and differentiate into mature macrophages (MФ), which further augment the tissue damage. Infusion of hUC-MSCs suppresses the activation of c-Mos, thereby disrupting the over activation of inflammatory cascade and the deterioration of systemic disarrangement