Macrophages represent a major cell type of innate immunity and have emerged as a 
critical player and therapeutic target in many chronic inflammatory diseases. 
Hepatic macrophages consist of Kupffer cells, which are originated from the 
fetal yolk-sack, and infiltrated bone marrow-derived monocytes/macrophages. 
Hepatic macrophages play a central role in maintaining homeostasis of the liver 
and in the pathogenesis of liver injury, making them an attractive therapeutic 
target for liver diseases. However, the various populations of hepatic 
macrophages display different phenotypes and exert distinct functions. Thus, 
more research is required to better understand these cells to guide the 
development of macrophage-based therapeutic interventions. This review article 
will summarize the current knowledge on the origins and composition of hepatic 
macrophages, their functions in maintaining hepatic homeostasis, and their 
involvement in both promoting and resolving liver inflammation, injury, and 
fibrosis. Finally, the current strategies being developed to target hepatic 
macrophages for the treatment of liver diseases will be reviewed.