Hepatic stellate cells (HSC) play an important role in liver fibrogenesis. They are also key
players in liver regeneration as part of the stem cell niche of hepatocytes and hepatic
progenitor cells. They produce growth stimulating and inhibiting factors for these epithelial
cell compartments. In addition, recent studies suggest a role for HSCs themselves for being
progenitors of epithelial cells through a transitional mesenchymal phase.