Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are located in the space of Disse,
between liver sinusoidal endothelia cells (LSECs) and
hepatocytes. They have surprised and excited hepatologists for
their biological characteristics. Under physiological quiescent
conditions, HSCs are the major vitamin A-storing cells of the liver,
playing crucial roles in the liver development, regeneration, and
tissue homeostasis. Upon injury-induced activation, HSCs convert
to a pro-fibrotic state, producing the excessive extracellular
matrix (ECM) and promoting angiogenesis in the liver
fibrogenesis. Activated HSCs significantly contribute to liver
fibrosis progression and inactivated HSCs are key to liver fibrosis
regression. In this review, we summarize the comprehensive
understanding of HSCs features, including their roles in normal
liver and liver fibrosis in hopes of advancing the development of
emerging diagnosis and treatment for hepatic fibrosis.