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Semin Liver Dis 2018; 38(01): 060-065
DOI: 10.1055/s-0037-1621709
Review Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Mucosal-Associated Invariant T Cells in Chronic Inflammatory Liver Disease

Fabian J. Bolte
1   Immunology Section, Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland
,
Barbara Rehermann
1   Immunology Section, Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, DHHS, Bethesda, Maryland
› Author Affiliations
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Publication History

Publication Date:
22 February 2018 (online)

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Abstract

The broadening field of microbiome research has led to a substantial reappraisal of the gut–liver axis and its role in chronic liver disease. The liver is a central immunologic organ that is continuously exposed to food and microbial-derived antigens from the gastrointestinal tract. Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are enriched in the human liver and can be activated by inflammatory cytokines and microbial antigens. In chronic inflammatory liver disease, MAIT cells are depleted suggesting an impaired MAIT cell-dependent protection against bacterial infections.

Keywords

mucosal-associated invariant T cells - hepatitis - inflammation - cirrhosis - liver metastases - gut–liver axis.
 

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