[Advances in liver immunology in 2018]

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Hepatology
• Virology

Background:

• Chronic infections with hepatotropic viruses like HBV and HCV significantly impact the immune system.
• Understanding the complex interplay of innate and adaptive immunity in liver diseases is crucial for developing effective treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate the mechanisms of immune responses in chronic HBV and HCV infections.
• To identify novel immune regulatory targets for HBV infection.
• To deepen the understanding of liver immunology and its clinical relevance.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of immune cell dysregulation, including natural killer (NK) cells, monocytes, B cells, and T cells.
• Identification and introduction of a new immune regulation target for HBV (TLR3/OX40L).
• Investigation of NK cell immune checkpoints, mononuclear macrophages in liver failure, and sex hormone effects on intrahepatic infections.

Main Results:

• Detailed elucidation of immune cell dysregulation in chronic viral hepatitis.
• Introduction of TLR3/OX40L as a potential therapeutic target for HBV immune regulation.
• Discovery of new NK cell checkpoints and the role of macrophages in liver inflammation.
• Understanding the influence of sex hormones on intrahepatic bacterial infections and inter-organ immune communication.

Conclusions:

• The study provides a comprehensive understanding of immune responses in chronic hepatotropic viral infections.
• Identified novel targets and mechanisms that can inform future therapeutic strategies for liver diseases.
• Expanded knowledge of liver immunology, highlighting its clinical significance in disease pathogenesis and treatment.