Linking the gut and liver: crosstalk between regulatory T cells and mucosa-associated invariant T cells.

ABSTRACT: The gut-liver axis is increasingly considered to play a vital part in the progression of chronic inflammatory gut and liver diseases. Hence, a detailed understanding of the local and systemic regulatory mechanisms is crucial to develop novel therapeutic approaches. In this review, we discuss in-depth the roles of regulatory T cells (Tregs) and mucosal-associated invariant T cells (MAITs) within the context of inflammatory bowel disease, primary sclerosing cholangitis, and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Tregs are crucial in maintaining peripheral tolerance and preventing autoimmunity. MAIT cells have a unique ability to rapidly recognize microbial metabolites and mount a local immune response and act as a 'biliary firewall' at the gut and biliary epithelial barrier. We also outline how curr

SUBMITTER: Atif M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6097019 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature