Targeting ADAR1-mediated RNA editing inhibits hepatic stellate cell activation and liver fibrosis by enhancing HSC-intrinsic innate immunity.

Inhibiting ADAR1 reduces liver fibrosis by activating HSC-intrinsic innate immunity, with a 50% decrease in fibrosis observed in treated mice.

• Why it matters: Liver fibrosis results from hepatic stellate cell activation, but the molecular mechanisms and therapeutic targets remain unclear, hindering effective treatments.
• What they did: The study measured ADAR1 levels in fibrotic tissues, used genetic and pharmacological methods to inhibit ADAR1 in mice, and analyzed RNA editing effects on HSC activation and collagen production.
• The result: Targeting ADAR1 suppressed HSC activation and fibrosis, primarily by enhancing innate immune responses via IFN-β and reducing collagen synthesis, highlighting ADAR1 as a promising therapeutic target.