Role of immune cell interactions in alcohol-associated liver diseases

Abstract

Research on inflammatory response, liver injury, and immune regulation has demonstrated that the intricate interactions among immune cells constitute a critical regulatory network. Alcohol consumption alters the liver microenvironment, triggering inflammation and immune responses. Elucidating the inhibitory, cooperative, and synergistic effects among lymphocytes and myeloid cells may reveal the core mechanisms of alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) pathogenesis and identify promising therapeutic targets. This review seeks to elucidate the intricate and multifaceted interactions among immune cells, encompassing both direct cellular interactions and the secretion of various effector molecules. It is essential to underscore that these interactions have broader and more complex roles in ALD than the activities of individual immune cell types. These interactions play a crucial role in mutually regulating one another, thereby preserving the homeostasis of the inflammatory and immune response in the liver environment. Targeting these immune cell interactions is anticipated to offer a novel approach to the prevention and treatment of ALD.