Integrative single-cell and spatial transcriptomic analyses identify a pathogenic cholangiocyte niche and TNFRSF12A as therapeutic target for biliary atresia

Biliary atresia (BA) is a devastating fibroinflammatory biliary disease that is the leading indication for pediatric liver transplants worldwide. Although cholangiocytes are the primary target cells, the pathogenic mechanisms involving cholangiocytes remain elusive. Here, we aimed to characterize the pathogenic role of cholangiocytes in BA.