The functions of resident antigen-presenting cells (APC) may be compromised in inflammatory microenvironment of the host. However, little is known regarding the phenotype and function of the liver resident APC in this condition. This issue was addressed by evaluating the function of liver dendritic cells (DC) from mice with concanavalin-A-induced experimental hepatitis. In sharp contrast to normal mice, the expressions of MHC class II and CD86 antigens were not upregulated on liver DC from mice with hepatitis due to interactions with specific antigens like hepatitis B surface antigen and keyhole limpet hemocyanin. Accordingly, these DC were completely unable to induce proliferation of antigen-specific memory lymphocytes. Moreover, liver DC from mice with hepatitis produced significantly lower levels of interleukin-12 and interferon-gamma compared with those from control mice. The lack of antigen internalization capacity of liver DC from mice with hepatitis was evident from their low endocytosis capacity. These data indicate that impaired antigen capturing and T cell activating capacity of liver DC may contribute to low magnitude of antigen-specific immune responses in mice with experimental hepatitis.