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Updated: Oct 17, 2026

In Vivo Augmentation of Gut-Homing Regulatory T Cell Induction
Published on: January 22, 2020
Polymeric immunoglobulin receptor in liver diseases: a double-edged sword with therapeutic potential at the gut-liver
Lihuang Su1, Siyong Zhang2, Tongtong Pan3
1Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Interdisciplinary and Translational Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325000, China.
Abstract:
The polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (pIgR) mediates the transepithelial transport of polymeric immunoglobulin A (IgA) and plays a central role in gut immune homeostasis. Its involvement in liver diseases has become increasingly evident with advances in our understanding of the gut-liver axis. This review synthesizes current evidence on the molecular structure and regulation of pIgR expression. It examines the functional heterogeneity of pIgR across viral hepatitis, alcohol-related liver disease, and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, autoimmune liver diseases, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Current evidence suggests that pIgR can exert protective effects by preserving the intestinal barrier integrity; however, under specific pathological conditions, it may contribute to autoimmune responses and tumor progression. The present review further evaluates the potential of pIgR for clinical translation as a biomarker and therapeutic target, discusses its immunopharmacological potential, and identifies unresolved questions that may guide future investigation.
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