The Role and Application of MAdCAM-1/α4β7-Induced Lymphocyte Migration in Inflammatory Enterohepatic Diseases

Inflammation drives the development of multiple inflammatory enterohepatic diseases. The recruitment of immune cells to inflammatory tissues is essential for maintaining immune homeostasis, mediating immune responses and regulating inflammation. MAdCAM-1/α4β7 is a pair of homing ligand and receptor that plays important roles in lymphocyte migration. Their binding induces lymphocytes to cross endothelial structures into corresponding lymphoid tissues, contributing to the inflammatory response. Aberrant lymphocyte migration due to excessive binding is closely related to the occurrence and development of inflammatory bowel disease and liver inflammation. In this review, we focus on the activation of α4β7 and binding to MAdCAM-1 how to induce the migration of multiple kinds of lymphocytes. Additionally, we describe the intestinal microbiota and its metabolites associated with MAdCAM-1/α4β7 in inflammatory enterohepatic diseases. We also discuss the current status of the development of monoclonal antibodies and small molecule drugs targeting MAdCAM-1/α4β7 for the remission and treatment of inflammatory enterohepatic disease. Future research should focus on enhancing hepatic specificity and conducting well-designed clinical trials for inflammatory liver diseases to confirm therapeutic efficacy.