Editing Kupffer cell (section)

== Location and structure ==
Kupffer cells can be found attached to [[sinusoidal endothelial cell]]s in both the centrilobular and periportal regions of the [[hepatic lobule]]s. Kupffer cell function and structures are specialized depending on their location. Periportal Kupffer cells tend to be larger and have more lysosomal enzyme and phagocytic activity, whereas centrilobular Kupffer cells create more superoxide radical. 

Kupffer cells are amoeboid in character, with surface features including [[microvilli]], [[pseudopodia]] and [[lamellipodia]], which project in every direction. The microvilli and pseudopodia play a role in the endocytosis of particles. 

The nucleus is indented and ovoid, and can be lobulated.

Notable cytoplasmic elements include [[ribosome]]s, [[Golgi complex]]es, [[centriole]]s, [[microtubule]]s and [[microfilament]]s. Kupffer cells also contain [[rough endoplasmic reticulum]], a [[nuclear envelope]], and [[annulate lamella]]e, all of which demonstrate [[peroxidase]] activity. 

Importantly, Kupffer cells express the SR-AI/II [[Scavenger receptor (immunology)|scavenger receptor]]. This receptor is involved in recognising and binding the lipid A domain of [[lipopolysaccharide]] (LPS) and [[lipoteichoic acid]]. (Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a bacterial endotoxin which is found in the cell wall [[gram-negative bacteria]], whereas lipoteichoic acid is present in [[gram-positive bacteria]].) Because of this detection system, Kupffer cells play a critical role in initiating and mediating immune responses to bacterial infection of the liver.<ref name=":2" />