Noteworthy, HPCs expressed elevated levels of CK7 and E-cadherin in severe hepatitis and cirrhosis as compared to mild hepatitis (n = 2.11 ± 0.64 per cm2, 3.08 ± 0.52 per cm2, and n = 1.87 ± 0.56 per cm2, 3.18 ± 0.49 per cm2, P < 0.05) (Fig. 2d, e, i, and j). Here, CDH1 is linked to hepatitis A virus infection.