Work

Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis: Is There Evidence for Fractured CD4+ T-Cell Tolerance in the Immunopathogenesis

Year: 2026

Type: review

Abstract: Metabolic dysfunction-associated liver disease is defined by hepatic steatosis with concomitant metabolic risk factors and is the leading cause of chronic liver disease. In approximately one-third of individuals, the disease progresses to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis, a more severe form encompassing steatosis with inflammation and hepatocellular injury predisposing to liver failure, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. The mechanism(s) responsible for this aberrant inflammation are unknown. In this review, we explore the breakdown of the hepatic tolerogenic environment in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis with discussion on fractured CD4+ T cell tolerance as an integral driver of the progression of metabolic dysfunction-associated liver disease to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis.

Source: Cellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology

DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2026.101899

Authors: Abigail E. Russi, Brian J. DeBosch

Institutions: Riley Hospital for Children, Indiana University Indianapolis, Indiana University School of Medicine

Language: English

Topic: Liver Disease Diagnosis and Treatment

Subfield: Hepatology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,430