The Role of Innate Immune Cells in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a very common hepatic pathology featuring steatosis and is linked to obesity and related conditions, such as the metabolic syndrome. When hepatic steatosis is accompanied by inflammation, the disorder is defined as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), whic...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Marina Nati, Kyoung-Jin Chung, Triantafyllos Chavakis
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Karger Publishers 2021-08-01
Series:Journal of Innate Immunity
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.karger.com/Article/FullText/518407
Description
Summary:Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a very common hepatic pathology featuring steatosis and is linked to obesity and related conditions, such as the metabolic syndrome. When hepatic steatosis is accompanied by inflammation, the disorder is defined as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which in turn can progress toward fibrosis development that can ultimately result in cirrhosis. Cells of innate immunity, such as neutrophils or macrophages, are central regulators of NASH-related inflammation. Recent studies utilizing new experimental technologies, such as single-cell RNA sequencing, have revealed substantial heterogeneity within the macrophage populations of the liver, suggesting distinct functions of liver-resident Kupffer cells and recruited monocyte-derived macrophages with regards to regulation of liver inflammation and progression of NASH pathogenesis. Herein, we discuss recent developments concerning the function of innate immune cell subsets in NAFLD and NASH.
ISSN:1662-811X
1662-8128