The Role of B Cells and B Cell Therapies in Immune-Mediated Liver Diseases

Abstract

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B cells form a branch of the adaptive immune system, essential for the body’s immune defense against pathogens. B cell dysfunction has been implicated in the pathogenesis of immune mediated liver diseases including autoimmune hepatitis, IgG4-related hepatobiliary disease, primary biliary cholangitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis. B cells may initiate and maintain immune related liver diseases in several ways including the production of autoantibodies and the activation of T cells via antigen presentation or cytokine production. Here we comprehensively review current knowledge on B cell mechanisms in immune mediated liver diseases, exploring disease pathogenesis, B cell therapies, and novel treatment targets. We identify key areas where future research should focus to enable the development of targeted B cell therapies.

Keywords

• IgG4-related disease
• autoimmune hepatitis
• primary biliary cholangitis (PBC)
• primary sclerosing cholangites (PSC)
• B cell
• Rituximab