Chronic liver disease (CLD), mainly those arising from hepatitis viral infection, toxic injury, alcohol abuse, metabolic disorders, or genetic defect, is an important global health concern. There is a high risk of progressing to advanced fibrosis, cirrhosis, and cirrhosis-related complications including acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) and hepatocellular carcinoma.
Currently, liver transplantation (LT) is the ultimate curative treatment for end-stage liver disease. However, limited organ availability, high costs, transplant-associated complications, and lifelong immunological side effects preclude many patients from benefiting from LT.
Cell therapy is becoming an emerging therapeutic option for CLD with great potential, because it is a less invasive and more curative with potentially equal effect compared to liver transplant.
