CD271 sorting for improved liver cell isolation: Semiautomated and simultaneous preparation of parenchymal and non-parenchymal cells from mouse and human livers

BackgroundA detailed understanding of the dynamic fate changes of hepatocytes, hepatic stellate cells (HSC), Kupffer cells (KC), and liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSEC) is critical for studying liver (patho)physiology during disease progression. Current isolation methods often focus on single cell types, limiting utility in comprehensive research. AimTo develop a novel, semi-automated protocol for the simultaneous isolation of hepatocytes and non-parenchymal cells (NPCs), including HSC, KC, and LSEC, from mouse and human, with high yield, purity, and viability from healthy and diseased livers. MethodThe protocol employs a two-step EGTA and collagenase II perfusion for tissue digestion. Hepatocytes were isolated by low-speed centrifugation and a Percoll gradient. Subsequently, magnetic-activated cell separation, using CD271 as a selective surface marker for HSC, CD11b for KC and CD146 for LSEC) was performed. Validation was achieved with immunofluorescence staining, flow cytometry, RT-PCR, and UV fluorescence, whereby yield, purity, and viability were assessed. ResultsWith our method, yield of hepatocytes, HSC, KC, and LSEC, is 33.4{+/-}5.5x10, 5.2{+/-}6.3x10, 12.4{+/-}4.8x10 and 18.2{+/-}8.9x10 cells per healthy mouse liver, respectively, with cell viabilities exceeding 89%, and purity surpassing 90%. CD271 was validated as an effective marker for purifying HSC in healthy and diseased human (n=4-6) and mouse livers. Compared to microfluidic and organ-on-a-chip approaches, with our protocol, we achieve higher yield and purity values while enabling the simultaneous isolation of multiple cell types from a single sample. ConclusionOur semi-automated protocol offers a scalable, reliable, and versatile solution for isolating main liver cell types with high yield, purity, and viability from both healthy and diseased tissues, advancing liver research and facilitating downstream investigations. Impact and implicationsO_LIBroad applicability: The CD271-based method efficiently isolates key liver cell types (Hepatocyte, HSC, KC, LSEC) simultaneously. C_LIO_LIVersatility in disease models: Effective for studying healthy, fibrotic, and damaged liver tissues. C_LIO_LIRobust across variability: Works reliably across different mouse strains, age groups, and conditions. C_LIO_LIHuman research potential: Scalable for high-purity isolation from human liver tissue, enabling translational studies. C_LIO_LIHigh-quality results: Ensures >85% viability and >90% purity, supporting reproducible liver research applications. C_LI