Immune-metabolic interactions in homeostasis and the progression to NASH

Trends Endocrinol Metab. 2022 Oct;33(10):690-709. doi: 10.1016/j.tem.2022.07.001. Epub 2022 Aug 10.

Abstract

The incidence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has increased significantly over the past two decades. NAFLD ranges from simple steatosis (NAFL) to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and predisposes to fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The importance of the immune system in hepatic physiology and in the progression of NAFLD is increasingly recognized. At homeostasis, the liver participates in immune defense against pathogens and in tolerance of gut-derived microbial compounds. Hepatic immune cells also respond to metabolic stimuli and have a role in NAFLD progression to NASH. In this review, we discuss how metabolic perturbations affect immune cell phenotype and function in NAFL and NASH, and then focus on the role of immune cells in liver homeostasis and in the development of NASH.

Keywords: NAFLD; NASH; immunology; liver; metabolism.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular* / epidemiology
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular* / genetics
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular* / pathology
  • Disease Progression
  • Homeostasis
  • Humans
  • Liver / metabolism
  • Liver Cirrhosis / genetics
  • Liver Cirrhosis / metabolism
  • Liver Cirrhosis / pathology
  • Liver Neoplasms* / epidemiology
  • Liver Neoplasms* / genetics
  • Liver Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease* / metabolism