Hepatoimmunology: A perspective

• Published in: Immunology and cell biology Vol. 80; no. 1; pp. 36 - 44
• Main Author: Mackay, Ian R
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Nature Publishing Group 01-02-2002; Blackwell Science Ltd
• Subjects: Animals; chronic viral hepatitis; hepatic drug reactions; Hepatitis B virus; Hepatitis C virus; Humans; intrahepatic lymphocytes; Liver - cytology; Liver - immunology; liver autoimmunity; Lymphoid Tissue - immunology; primary biliary cirrhosis
• ISSN: 0818-9641; 1440-1711
• DOI: 10.1046/j.1440-1711.2002.01063.x

Premises for the subspecialty of hepatoimmunology include the recognition that the liver is a lymphoid organ with unique immunological properties. These properties ensure efficient innate defence against intestinal microbes and toxins, confer a particular capacity for induction of tolerance, and provide for apoptotic disposal of redundant lymphocytes. Pathological responses within the liver are elicited when: (i) hepatotropic viruses (hepatitis virus B and C) escape immune elimination and reside in hepatocytes; (ii) the liver becomes the site of autoimmune responses directed against either hepatocytes (autoimmune hepatitis) or biliary ductules (primary biliary cirrhosis); or (iii) the liver in the course of disposal of drugs generates neoantigens that provoke adverse allergic responses. Recent advances in the understanding of the immunopathogenesis of these entities are reviewed.