The selective induction of apoptosis in HSC by the targeted thymidine kinase/Ganciclovir system

Background/Aims: Liver fibrogenesis is the consequence of a dysbalance of synthesis and degradation of extracellular matrix components. During hepatic fibrogenesis, hepatic stellate cells (HSC) are the major producer of these constituents. Therefore, HSC are in the focus of antifibrotic therapies. A previous report from us have demonstrated that the thymidine kinase/Ganciclovir system directed under transcriptional control of the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases–1 (TIMP–1) promoter is suitable to induce apoptosis in culture-activated HSC [1]. We now extended our studies and tested if a selective induction of HSC apoptosis with this system is achievable in vivo.