The antifibrotic potential of IMT504: modulation of GLAST + Wnt1 + bone marrow stromal progenitors and hepatic microenvironment

Background The immunomodulatory oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) IMT504 might harbor antifibrotic properties within the liver. Methods Fibrosis models were induced in mice through thioacetamide (TAA) administration and bile-duct ligation. Cre-loxP mice were utilized to identify GLAST+Wnt1+bone marrow stromal progenitors (BMSPs) and to examine their contribution with cells in the liver. In vivo and in vitro assays; flow-cytometry, immunohistochemistry, and qPCR were conducted. Results IMT504 demonstrated significant inhibition of liver fibrogenesis progression and reversal of established fibrosis. Early responses to IMT504 involved the suppression of profibrogenic and proinflammatory markers, coupled with an augmentation of hepatocyte proliferation. Additionally, this ODN stimulated the proliferation and mobilization of GLAST+Wnt1+BMSPs, likely amplifying their contribution with endothelial- and hepatocytes-like cells. Moreover, IMT504 significantly modulated the expression levels of Wnt ligands and signaling pathway/target genes specifically within GLAST+Wnt1+BMSPs, with minimal impact on other BMSPs. Intriguingly, both IMT504 and conditioned media from IMT504-pre-treated GLAST+Wnt1+BMSPs shifted the phenotype of fibrotic macrophages, hepatic stellate cells, and hepatocytes, consistent with the potent antifibrotic effects observed. Conclusion In summary, our findings identify IMT504 as a promising candidate molecule with potent antifibrotic properties, operating through both direct and indirect mechanisms, including the activation of GLAST+Wnt1+BMSPs.