*2.1. Animal Models and Induction of Liver Fibrosis*

C57Bl6/J mice were housed under specific pathogen free conditions in the animal facility of the University Hospital, Aachen. All experiments that are described were approved by the corresponding legal authorities (Landesamt für Natur, Umwelt und Verbraucherschutz NRW, LANUV NRW). To induce hepatic fibrosis, mice received intraperitoneal injections of 0.5 mL per kg bodyweight carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) three times per week for a total of three weeks. Controls received an equivalent amount of oil. After three weeks, mice were euthanized and analyzed as detailed below.
