Innate immunity in the liver

摘要

The liver is constantly exposed to large varieties of antigens that are derived from the gastrointestinal tract, including dietary antigens, pathogens, and toxins. Its function as a major immune organ is now being appreciated. The liver lymphocyte population is enriched in macrophages (ie, Kupffer cells), natural killer and natural killer T cells, which constitute the innate immune system. This review will focus on recent advances in the understanding of mechanisms that regulate the hepatic innate immune system because the innate immune system may mediate many chronic liver diseases, including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.Assuming that defects in the hepatic innate immune system that promote Th-1 cytokine polarization are common pathogenic mechanisms for hepatic insulin resistance and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, therapies that inhibit inflammatory activity may be beneficial for these disorders.`