Work

The Role of Innate Immune Cells in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Year: 2021

Type: review

Abstract: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a very common hepatic pathology featuring steatosis and is linked to obesity and related conditions, such as the metabolic syndrome. When hepatic steatosis is accompanied by inflammation, the disorder is defined as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which in turn can progress toward fibrosis development that can ultimately result in cirrhosis. Cells of innate immunity, such as neutrophils or macrophages, are central regulators of NASH-related inflammation. Recent studies utilizing new experimental technologies, such as single-cell RNA sequencing, have revealed substantial heterogeneity within the macrophage populations of the liver, suggesting distinct functions of liver-resident Kupffer cells and recruited monocyte-derived macrophages with regards to regulation of liver inflammation and progression of NASH pathogenesis. Herein, we discuss recent developments concerning the function of innate immune cell subsets in NAFLD and NASH.

Source: Journal of Innate Immunity

DOI: 10.1159/000518407

Authors: Marina Nati, Kyoung-Jin Chung, Triantafyllos Chavakis

Institutions: German Center for Diabetes Research, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Paul Langerhans Institute Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden

Language: English

Topic: Liver Disease Diagnosis and Treatment

Subfield: Epidemiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,590