Method and reagents for treating hepatic fibrosis and inflammation

摘要

The invention relates to methods for identifying an anti-fibrotic or anti-inflammatory agent comprising determining cathepsin S expression in activated hepatic stellate cells which have been exposed to a test compound and comparing expression to non-exposed hepatic stellate cells. The invention also relates to methods for treating a disorder characterised or caused by hepatic fibrosis or inflammation, comprising administering a cathepsin S inhibitor to a subject.