Immunology of liver disease.

Abstract

There appears to be strong evidence to suggest that the liver plays an important role in the normally functioning immune system and in disorders involving damage to the liver disturbances in the immunological parameters are frequently found. In the light of our current knowledge, however, it is not clear whether these disturbances occur secondary to this liver damage or whether some or all of them provide the initiating stimulus for the liver damage or even the stimulus which potentiates the development of chronic liver disease. A greater understanding of these factors is necessary if we are to develop more effective therapy for chronic hepatic disorders.