IL-32γ promotes integrin αvβ6 expression through the activation of NF-κB in HSCs

Hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation is important in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis. However, the molecular mechanism of HSC activation is not completely understood. In the present study, it was demonstrated that interleukin-32 gamma (IL-32 gamma) is capable of enhancing intefgrin alpha v beta 6 expression by inducing integrin alpha v beta 6 promoter activity in a dose-dependent manner in HSCs. Furthermore, it was determined that nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappa B)activation is required for IL-32 gamma-induced integrin alpha v beta 6 expression. Increased integrin alpha v beta 6 expression is then able to activate HSCs. These results indicate that NF-kappa B activation is required for IL-32 gamma to induce integrin alpha v beta 6 expression and consequently promote HSC activation. Therefore, IL-32 gamma activates HSCs and therefore may be associated with hepatic fibrogenesis. These results may enable the development of novel effective strategies to treat hepatic fibrosis.