CTSB and Hepatic fibrosis: In particular, we have recently revealed the participation of cysteine cathepsins [Cathepsin B (CTSB) and Cathepsin S (CTSS)] in controlling hepatic NF-κB-dependent inflammation via sirtuin-1 regulation (3), and the role of CTSB in promoting hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation and liver fibrosis (4).