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Gerussi A, Halliday N, Carbone M, Invernizzi P, Thorburn D. Open challenges in the management of autoimmune hepatitis. Minerva Gastroenterol (Torino) 2023; 69:61-83. [PMID: 33267568 DOI: 10.23736/s2724-5895.20.02805-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a rare autoimmune disease of the liver with many open questions as regards its etiopathogenesis, natural history and clinical management. The classical picture of AIH is chronic hepatitis with fluctuating elevation of serum transaminases and Immunoglobulin G levels, the presence of circulating autoantibodies and typical histological features. However, atypical presentations do occur and are not well captured by current diagnostic scores, with important consequences in terms of missed diagnoses and delayed treatments. AIH is treated with corticosteroids and immunosuppressive drugs but up to 40% of patients do not achieve full biochemical response and are at risk of progressing to cirrhosis and liver failure. Moreover, standard therapies are associated by significant side-effects which may impair the quality of life of patients living with AIH. However, advances in the understanding of the underlying immunology of AIH is raising the prospect of novel therapies and optimization of existing therapeutic approaches to reduce side-effect burdens and potentially restore immunological tolerance. In this review we outlined the clinical characteristics, etiopathogenesis and management of AIH and current challenges in the diagnosis and management of AIH and provided evidence underlying the evolution of diagnostic and clinical management protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Gerussi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Monza-Brianza, Italy - .,European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Monza-Brianza, Italy - .,Ancient DNA Lab Dan David Center for Human Evolution and Biohistory Research, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel -
| | - Neil Halliday
- Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Marco Carbone
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Monza-Brianza, Italy.,European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Monza-Brianza, Italy
| | - Pietro Invernizzi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Monza-Brianza, Italy.,European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Monza-Brianza, Italy
| | - Douglas Thorburn
- Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, University College London, London, UK
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Advancing Biologic Therapy for Refractory Autoimmune Hepatitis. Dig Dis Sci 2022; 67:4979-5005. [PMID: 35147819 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-021-07378-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Biologic agents may satisfy an unmet clinical need for treatment of refractory autoimmune hepatitis. The goals of this review are to present the types and results of biologic therapy for refractory autoimmune hepatitis, indicate opportunities to improve and expand biologic treatment, and encourage comparative clinical trials. English abstracts were identified in PubMed by multiple search terms. Full-length articles were selected for review, and secondary and tertiary bibliographies were developed. Rituximab (monoclonal antibodies against CD20 on B cells), infliximab (monoclonal antibodies against tumor necrosis factor-alpha), low-dose recombinant interleukin 2 (regulatory T cell promoter), and belimumab (monoclonal antibodies against B cell activating factor) have induced laboratory improvement in small cohorts with refractory autoimmune hepatitis. Ianalumab (monoclonal antibodies against the receptor for B cell activating factor) is in clinical trial. These agents target critical pathogenic pathways, but they may also have serious side effects. Blockade of the B cell activating factor or its receptors may disrupt pivotal B and T cell responses, and recombinant interleukin 2 complexed with certain interleukin 2 antibodies may selectively expand the regulatory T cell population. A proliferation-inducing ligand that enhances T cell proliferation and survival is an unevaluated, potentially pivotal, therapeutic target. Fully human antibodies, expanded target options, improved targeting precision, more effective delivery systems, and biosimilar agents promise to improve efficacy, safety, and accessibility. In conclusion, biologic agents target key pathogenic pathways in autoimmune hepatitis, and early experiences in refractory disease encourage clarification of the preferred target, rigorous clinical trial, and comparative evaluations.
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Allouchery M, Beuvon C, Pérault-Pochat MC, Roblot P, Puyade M, Martin M. Safety of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Resumption after Interruption for Immune-Related Adverse Events, a Narrative Review. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14040955. [PMID: 35205703 PMCID: PMC8870725 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14040955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have become the standard of care for several types of cancer due to their superiority in terms of survival benefits in first- and second-line treatments compared to conventional therapies, and they present a better safety profile (lower absolute number of grade 1-5 adverse events), especially if used in monotherapy. However, the pattern of ICI-related adverse events is totally different, as they are characterized by the development of specific immune-related adverse events (irAEs) that are unique in terms of the organs involved, onset patterns, and severity. The decision to resume ICI treatment after its interruption due to irAEs is challenged by the need for tumor control versus the risk of occurrence of the same or different irAEs. Studies that specifically assess this point remain scarce, heterogenous and mostly based on small samples of patients or focused only on the recurrence rate of the same irAE after ICI resumption. Moreover, patients with grade ≥3 irAEs were excluded from many of these studies. Herein, we provide a narrative review on the field of safety of ICI resumption after interruption due to irAE(s).
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Allouchery
- Pharmacologie Clinique et Vigilances, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Poitiers, 2 Rue de la Milétrie, 86000 Poitiers, France; (M.A.); (M.-C.P.-P.)
- Université de Poitiers, 15 Rue de l’Hôtel-Dieu, TSA 71117, 86000 Poitiers, France; (C.B.); (P.R.)
| | - Clément Beuvon
- Université de Poitiers, 15 Rue de l’Hôtel-Dieu, TSA 71117, 86000 Poitiers, France; (C.B.); (P.R.)
- Médecine Interne et Maladies Infectieuses, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Poitiers, 2 Rue de la Milétrie, 86000 Poitiers, France;
| | - Marie-Christine Pérault-Pochat
- Pharmacologie Clinique et Vigilances, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Poitiers, 2 Rue de la Milétrie, 86000 Poitiers, France; (M.A.); (M.-C.P.-P.)
- Université de Poitiers, 15 Rue de l’Hôtel-Dieu, TSA 71117, 86000 Poitiers, France; (C.B.); (P.R.)
- CIC-1402, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Poitiers, 2 Rue de la Milétrie, 86000 Poitiers, France
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Expérimentales et Cliniques, INSERM U1084, Université de Poitiers, 1 Rue Georges Bonnet, 86073 Poitiers, France
| | - Pascal Roblot
- Université de Poitiers, 15 Rue de l’Hôtel-Dieu, TSA 71117, 86000 Poitiers, France; (C.B.); (P.R.)
- Médecine Interne et Maladies Infectieuses, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Poitiers, 2 Rue de la Milétrie, 86000 Poitiers, France;
| | - Mathieu Puyade
- Médecine Interne et Maladies Infectieuses, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Poitiers, 2 Rue de la Milétrie, 86000 Poitiers, France;
- CIC-1402, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Poitiers, 2 Rue de la Milétrie, 86000 Poitiers, France
| | - Mickaël Martin
- Université de Poitiers, 15 Rue de l’Hôtel-Dieu, TSA 71117, 86000 Poitiers, France; (C.B.); (P.R.)
- Médecine Interne et Maladies Infectieuses, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Poitiers, 2 Rue de la Milétrie, 86000 Poitiers, France;
- INSERM U1313, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Poitiers, 2 Rue de la Milétrie, 86000 Poitiers, France
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-549-444-004
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Vergani D, Terziroli Beretta-Piccoli B, Mieli-Vergani G. A reasoned approach to the treatment of autoimmune hepatitis. Dig Liver Dis 2021; 53:1381-1393. [PMID: 34162505 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2021.05.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic inflammatory liver disease affecting all ages, characterised by elevated transaminase and immunoglobulin G levels, positive autoantibodies, interface hepatitis on histology and good response to immunosuppressive treatment. If untreated, it has a poor prognosis. The aim of this review is to analyse AIH therapeutic interventions with reference to our knowledge of the pathogenesis of AIH. Standard treatment, based on steroids and azathioprine, leads to disease remission in 80-90% of patients. Alternative first-line treatment with budesonide is effective in adults, but less so in the juvenile form of AIH; first-line treatment with ciclosporin does not provide convincing advantages compared to standard treatment. Second-line treatments are needed for patients not responding or intolerant to first-line standard management. Mycophenolate mofetil is the most widely used second-line drug, and has good efficacy particularly for patients intolerant to azathioprine, but is teratogenic. Only few and heterogeneous data on calcineurin inhibitors and m-TOR inhibitors are available. Biologicals, including anti-tumour necrosis factor- α and anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies, have given ambivalent results and may have severe side-effects. Clinical trials with new therapeutic options aiming at targeting B lymphocytes and proinflammatory cytokines, or expanding regulatory T cells to restore tolerance are ongoing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Vergani
- King's College London Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, London, UK; Institute of Liver Studies, MowatLabs, King's College Hospital, London, UK; Epatocentro Ticino, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Benedetta Terziroli Beretta-Piccoli
- Institute of Liver Studies, MowatLabs, King's College Hospital, London, UK; Epatocentro Ticino, Lugano, Switzerland; Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera Italiana, Switzerland
| | - Giorgina Mieli-Vergani
- King's College London Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, London, UK; Epatocentro Ticino, Lugano, Switzerland; Paediatric Liver, GI and Nutrition Centre, MowatLabs, King's College Hospital, London, UK.
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5
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Exploring the Pathogenic Role and Therapeutic Implications of Interleukin 2 in Autoimmune Hepatitis. Dig Dis Sci 2021; 66:2493-2512. [PMID: 32833154 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-020-06562-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Interleukin 2 is essential for the expansion of regulatory T cells, and low-dose recombinant interleukin 2 has improved the clinical manifestations of diverse autoimmune diseases in preliminary studies. The goals of this review are to describe the actions of interleukin 2 and its receptor, present preliminary experiences with low-dose interleukin 2 in the treatment of diverse autoimmune diseases, and evaluate its potential as a therapeutic intervention in autoimmune hepatitis. English abstracts were identified in PubMed by multiple search terms. Full-length articles were selected for review, and secondary and tertiary bibliographies were developed. Interleukin 2 is critical for the thymic selection, peripheral expansion, induction, and survival of regulatory T cells, and it is also a growth factor for activated T cells and natural killer cells. Interleukin 2 activates the signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 after binding with its trimeric receptor on regulatory T cells. Immune suppressor activity is increased; anti-inflammatory interleukin 10 is released; pro-inflammatory interferon-gamma is inhibited; and activation-induced apoptosis of CD8+ T cells is upregulated. Preliminary experiences with cyclic injections of low-dose recombinant interleukin 2 in diverse autoimmune diseases have demonstrated increased numbers of circulating regulatory T cells, preserved regulatory function, improved clinical manifestations, and excellent tolerance. Similar improvements have been recognized in one of two patients with refractory autoimmune hepatitis. In conclusion, interferon 2 has biological actions that favor the immune suppressor functions of regulatory T cells, and low-dose regimens in preliminary studies encourage its rigorous investigation in autoimmune hepatitis.
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Youssry S, Hussein A, Moaaz M. The immunoregulatory axis (programmed death-1/programmed death ligand-1) on CD4+ T cells in lupus nephritis: association with vitamin D and chemokine C-X-C motif ligand 12. Microbiol Immunol 2021; 65:392-399. [PMID: 34081342 DOI: 10.1111/1348-0421.12923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Lupus nephritis (LN) is one of the most serious complications of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Multiple immunomodulatory mechanisms contribute to the pathogenesis of LN. A deep understanding of the immunopathogenesis of LN is essential to identify optimal molecular targets, as most immunotherapeutic algorithms are still based on unselective drugs. The study aimed to elucidate the possible association of vitamin D deficiency with the programmed death-1 (PD-1)/programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) axis and inflammatory response in patients with LN, as well as the relationship between the PD-1/PD-L1 axis and chemokine C-X-C motif ligand 12 (CXCL12). Flow cytometry was used to determine the frequencies of CD279 (PD-1) and CD274 (PD-L1) in the peripheral CD3+CD4+ cell population of persons with LN. Furthermore, ELISA was used to detect serum CXCL12 and vitamin D concentrations. A distinct decrease of PD-1 and a significant increase of PD-L1 was demonstrated in patients with LN compared with either SLE patients with no LN or healthy controls. The PD-1/PD-L1 axis was negatively correlated with different disease parameters. Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency were more prevalent in patients with LN than in controls, being significantly associated with disease activity and inversely associated with the PD-1/PD-L1 expression. Moreover, CXCL12 was negatively correlated with the PD-1/PD-L1 axis and vitamin D concentration. The findings suggest an involvement of the PD-1/PD-L1 axis in lupus nephritis, which might serve as a potential highly selective therapeutic target that is more effective but less toxic. In addition, restoring adequate vitamin D levels in lupus nephritis could be a possible simple measure to control inflammatory immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Youssry
- Department of Immunology and Allergy, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Amina Hussein
- Department of Immunology and Allergy, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Mai Moaaz
- Department of Immunology and Allergy, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
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Mack CL, Adams D, Assis DN, Kerkar N, Manns MP, Mayo MJ, Vierling JM, Alsawas M, Murad MH, Czaja AJ. Diagnosis and Management of Autoimmune Hepatitis in Adults and Children: 2019 Practice Guidance and Guidelines From the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases. Hepatology 2020; 72:671-722. [PMID: 31863477 DOI: 10.1002/hep.31065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 417] [Impact Index Per Article: 104.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Cara L Mack
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO
| | - David Adams
- Centre for Liver Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - David N Assis
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Nanda Kerkar
- Golisano Children's Hospital at Strong, University of Rochester Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Michael P Manns
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Marlyn J Mayo
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, University of Texas SW Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - John M Vierling
- Medicine and Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
| | | | - Mohammad H Murad
- Mayo Knowledge and Encounter Research Unit, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN
| | - Albert J Czaja
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN
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Tan EK, Chao YX, West A, Chan LL, Poewe W, Jankovic J. Parkinson disease and the immune system - associations, mechanisms and therapeutics. Nat Rev Neurol 2020; 16:303-318. [PMID: 32332985 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-020-0344-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 230] [Impact Index Per Article: 57.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Multiple lines of evidence indicate that immune system dysfunction has a role in Parkinson disease (PD); this evidence includes clinical and genetic associations between autoimmune disease and PD, impaired cellular and humoral immune responses in PD, imaging evidence of inflammatory cell activation and evidence of immune dysregulation in experimental models of PD. However, the mechanisms that link the immune system with PD remain unclear, and the temporal relationships of innate and adaptive immune responses with neurodegeneration are unknown. Despite these challenges, our current knowledge provides opportunities to develop immune-targeted therapeutic strategies for testing in PD, and clinical studies of some approaches are under way. In this Review, we provide an overview of the clinical observations, preclinical experiments and clinical studies that provide evidence for involvement of the immune system in PD and that help to define the nature of this association. We consider autoimmune mechanisms, central and peripheral inflammatory mechanisms and immunogenetic factors. We also discuss the use of this knowledge to develop immune-based therapeutic approaches, including immunotherapy that targets α-synuclein and the targeting of immune mediators such as inflammasomes. We also consider future research and clinical trials necessary to maximize the potential of targeting the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eng-King Tan
- Department of Neurology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore.
- National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore, Singapore.
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Yin-Xia Chao
- Department of Neurology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore, Singapore
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Andrew West
- Duke Center for Neurodegeneration and Neurotherapeutics, Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Ling-Ling Chan
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Radiology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Werner Poewe
- Department of Neurology, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Joseph Jankovic
- Parkinson's Disease Center and Movement Disorders Clinic, Department of Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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Czaja AJ. Autoimmune Hepatitis: Surviving Crises of Doubt and Elimination. Clin Liver Dis (Hoboken) 2020; 15:S72-S81. [PMID: 32140216 PMCID: PMC7050953 DOI: 10.1002/cld.917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Albert J. Czaja
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyMayo Clinic College of Medicine and ScienceRochesterMN
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Czaja AJ. Examining pathogenic concepts of autoimmune hepatitis for cues to future investigations and interventions. World J Gastroenterol 2019; 25:6579-6606. [PMID: 31832000 PMCID: PMC6906207 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v25.i45.6579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Revised: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple pathogenic mechanisms have been implicated in autoimmune hepatitis, but they have not fully explained susceptibility, triggering events, and maintenance or escalation of the disease. Furthermore, they have not identified a critical defect that can be targeted. The goals of this review are to examine the diverse pathogenic mechanisms that have been considered in autoimmune hepatitis, indicate investigational opportunities to validate their contribution, and suggest interventions that might evolve to modify their impact. English abstracts were identified in PubMed by multiple search terms. Full length articles were selected for review, and secondary and tertiary bibliographies were developed. Genetic and epigenetic factors can affect susceptibility by influencing the expression of immune regulatory genes. Thymic dysfunction, possibly related to deficient production of programmed cell death protein-1, can allow autoreactive T cells to escape deletion, and alterations in the intestinal microbiome may help overcome immune tolerance and affect gender bias. Environmental factors may trigger the disease or induce epigenetic changes in gene function. Molecular mimicry, epitope spread, bystander activation, neo-antigen production, lymphocytic polyspecificity, and disturbances in immune inhibitory mechanisms may maintain or escalate the disease. Interventions that modify epigenetic effects on gene expression, alter intestinal dysbiosis, eliminate deleterious environmental factors, and target critical pathogenic mechanisms are therapeutic possibilities that might reduce risk, individualize management, and improve outcome. In conclusion, diverse pathogenic mechanisms have been implicated in autoimmune hepatitis, and they may identify a critical factor or sequence that can be validated and used to direct future management and preventive strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert J Czaja
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, Rochester, MN 55905, United States
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