In Vitro Models for the Study of Liver Biology and Diseases: Advances and Limitations

In vitro models of liver (patho)physiology, new technologies, and experimental approaches are progressing rapidly. Based on cell lines, induced pluripotent stem cells or primary cells derived from mouse or human liver as well as whole tissue (slices), such in vitro single- and multicellular models, including complex microfluidic organ-on-a-chip systems, provide tools to functionally understand mechanisms of liver health and disease. The International Society of Hepatic Sinusoidal Research (ISHSR) commissioned this working group to review the currently available in vitro liver models and describe the advantages and disadvantages of each in the context of evaluating their use for the study of liver functionality, disease modeling, therapeutic discovery, and clinical applicability.

Automated summary

In vitro models of liver, including cell lines, induced pluripotent stem cells, primary cells, and whole tissue slices, provide valuable tools for studying liver health, disease mechanisms, and therapeutic discovery. The International Society of Hepatic Sinusoidal Research (ISHSR) commissioned a working group to review and evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of these models for studying liver functionality, disease modeling, therapeutic discovery, and clinical applicability.