Lonza has added hepatic stellate cells, Kupffer cells, and liver-derived endothelial cells to its hepatocytes portfolio for testing of in vitro drug models.

Lonza says hepatic non-parenchymal cells provide the building blocks to create more physiologically relevant in vitro models, including co-cultures and 3D cell cultures, for enhanced liver disease research. Lonza now offers four liver cell types (hepatocytes, stellate cells, Kupffer cells and liver-derived endothelial cells).

Hepatic non-parenchymal cells are involved in normal liver function, including transport, metabolism and growth; they also play roles in the immune response, according to information from the company. Kupffer cells are the resident macrophages of the liver and are one of the first lines of defense against bacteria and toxins in the gut, according to information from Lonza. In addition, liver-derived endothelial cells form the primary cellular barrier that lines blood vessels and sinusoids in the liver.

Hepatic non-parenchymal cells can also be involved in the formation of common liver diseases, according to information from the company. For example, when the liver is damaged, stellate cells can differentiate to form myofibroblasts, leading to collagen deposition, which can result in cirrhosis, according to information from Lonza.

Source: Lonza