The pan-CK areas and αSMA-positive cells in the livers of clodronate-injected mice were significantly reduced by 81% and 56%, respectively, indicating either indirect activation of BECs and HSCs by KCs via hepatocyte damage and cholestasis or direct activation of these cells in disease progression (Figs 4b and S6b and d). This evidence concerns the gene ACTA1 and cholestasis.