Kupffer cells are central to mitigating intravascular infections.

Kupffer cells (KCs), the resident liver macrophages, are absolutely critical in immune surveillance and intravascular pathogen eradication. This mini-review highlights KCs' contributions to host protection of intravascular infections. KCs, uniquely originated and self-renewing, demonstrate remarkable functional plasticity and trained immunity. KCs are frontline responders in infections: they phagocytose microorganisms but can succumb to certain infections. We highlight some of the recent findings in this regard. Understanding KCs' complex interactions with diverse pathogens is key to improving treatment modalities in infection. Future research, needs to focus on how certain pathogens evade KCs and how we can aid these macrophages in eradicating microbes. A move towards humanized KC models in vivo and in vitro incorporating key environmental factors such as shear flow and unique sinusoidal components will be essential to unravel their comprehensive roles.