Immunology of the liver and mechanisms of inflammation

A decade ago the liver was simply considered as the main organ for metabolism and detoxification of endogenous and exogenous substances. Over the past 10 years studies have indicated that the liver also plays a key role in several immunologic events, some of which contribute to the development of autoimmune hepatic disease (i.e., primary biliary cirrhosis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, and autoimmune hepatitis), liver inflammation, and fibrosis. Innate immunity and adaptive immunity compromise a coordinated system that involves the liver parenchyma in both health and disease. To this extent, local immune and inflammatory events are key contributors to hepatic diseases and fibrosis. Improved understanding of these pathways provides the basis for better therapies of liver disease.