Hepatoimmunology: a perspective.
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.
Mackay
Ian R
IR
Department of Biochemistry and MolecularBiology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia. ian.mackay@med.monash.edu.au
D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology*; D008221:Lymphoid Tissue / Q000276:immunology