Researchers revealed how certain liver cells contribute to inflammatory responses underlying chronic hepatitis. Using mouse and cell culture models, they observed increased levels of inflammatory genes, including signaling molecules called chemokines, when hepatic stellate cells did not express a protein known as A20. By inhibiting another protein called DCLK1, A20 decreases chemokine levels and thereby suppresses chronic hepatitis. A20 has potential involvement in novel therapeutic development for liver disease.