Viral hepatitis, inflammation, and cancer: A lesson for autoimmunity.

Viral hepatitis, inflammation, and cancer: A lesson for autoimmunity. J Autoimmun. 2018 Dec;95:58-68 Authors: Piconese S, Cammarata I, Barnaba V Abstract In the present review, we analyzed the various overlapping and non-mutually exclusive mechanisms that intersect and form complex and highly flexible immunological networks allowing the defense against liver infections and tumors. Liver immunity results from the combination of the skills of systemic and local immune system(s) to sense and recognize pathogen or tumor antigens, to sensitize a wide range of innate and adaptive immune cells, and to clear the "invaders", through the establishment of a transient liver immunopathology state undergoing resolution/control of infections or tumors, and memory development. Then, a special emphasis is placed on discussing about the capacity of the immune system(s) to develop a state of chronic low-level immunopathology adapting through the intervention of simultaneous immunoregulatory mechanisms, when the liver is infected by highly mutable viruses (e.g., hepatitis B or C viruses [HBV or HCV]) capable to escape from the immune recognition. The establishment of chronic inflammation represents an advantage for the species survival, because it guarantees the long-term survival of human hosts despite the virus persistence. However, chronic inflammation, in the long run, can evolve towards severe consequences (decompensated cirrhosis and hepatocellula...
Source: Journal of Autoimmunity - Category: Allergy & Immunology Authors: Tags: J Autoimmun Source Type: research