Liver fibrosis: mechanisms of immune-mediated liver injury

Liver fibrosis and its end-stage consequence, cirrhosis, represent the final common pathway of virtually all chronic liver diseases. Research into hepatic stellate cell activation, imbalance of the extracellular matrix synthesis and degradation and the contribution of cytokines and chemokines has further elucidated the mechanisms underlying fibrosis. Furthermore, clarification of changes in host adaptive and innate immune systems has accelerated our understanding of the association between liver inflammation and fibrosis. Continued elucidation of the mechanisms of hepatic fibrosis has provided a comprehensive model of fibrosis progression and regression. This review summarizes the current concepts of improvements that have been made in the field of fibrosis. Cellular & Molecular Immunology (2012) 9, 296-301; doi: 10.1038/cmi.2011.53; published online 12 December 2011