Abstract

Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are a recently identified group of innate immune cells lacking antigen-specific receptors that can mediate immune responses and regulate tissue homeostasis and inflammation. ILCs comprise group 1 ILCs, group 2 ILCs, and group 3 ILCs. These ILCs usually localize at mucosal surfaces and combat pathogens by the rapid release of certain cytokines. However, the uncontrolled activation of ILCs can also lead to damaging inflammation, especially in the gut, lung, and skin. Although the physiological and pathogenic roles of ILCs in liver diseases have been attracting increasing attention recently, there has been no systematic review regarding the roles of ILCs in immune-mediated liver diseases. Here, we review the relationships between the ILC subsets and their functions in immune-mediated liver diseases, and discuss their therapeutic potential based on current knowledge about the functional roles of these cells in liver diseases.

Highlights

  • Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are a recently identified group of heterogeneous innate immune cells

  • With high expression of TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) [85], whether hepatic ILC1s interact directly with hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) requires further investigation. These findings suggest that the cytokines (e.g., IL-22, IFN-γ) or receptors (e.g., NKG2A, TRAIL) expressed by hepatic ILC1s might serve as potential therapeutic targets in immune-mediated liver diseases

  • It is clear that excessive activation of ILCs could lead to chronic pathologies

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Summary

Meifang Liu and Cai Zhang*

Reviewed by: Georg Gasteiger, University Medical Center Freiburg, Germany Matthew Ross Hepworth, University of Manchester, United Kingdom. Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are a recently identified group of innate immune cells lacking antigen-specific receptors that can mediate immune responses and regulate tissue homeostasis and inflammation. The uncontrolled activation of ILCs can lead to damaging inflammation, especially in the gut, lung, and skin. The physiological and pathogenic roles of ILCs in liver diseases have been attracting increasing attention recently, there has been no systematic review regarding the roles of ILCs in immune-mediated liver diseases. We review the relationships between the ILC subsets and their functions in immune-mediated liver diseases, and discuss their therapeutic potential based on current knowledge about the functional roles of these cells in liver diseases

INTRODUCTION
THE LIVER AS AN INNATE IMMUNE ORGAN
THE ROLE OF ILCs IN IMMUNEMEDIATED LIVER DISEASES
Findings
CONCLUSION AND PERSPECTIVES

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