Primary biliary cholangitis: a multifaceted pathogenesis with potential therapeutic targets

A spotlight on natural killer cells in primary biliary cholangitisJournal of HepatologyVol. 74Issue 1PreviewWe read with interest the 'Hepatology Snapshot' by Carbone et al. entitled "Primary biliary cholangitis: a multifaceted pathogenesis with potential therapeutic targets", in which the authors present an overview of the immunobiology of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC).1 In order to develop new immunology-based therapeutics it is important to have clear insights into the immune pathogenesis of the disease. Whilst components of the adaptive immune system have been well studied, those of the innate immune system have been less intensively investigated. Full-Text PDF Reply to: "A spotlight on natural killer cells in primary biliary cholangitis"Journal of HepatologyVol. 74Issue 1PreviewWe thank Dr Hydes and Prof. Khakoo for their interest in our snapshot on primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and for providing the opportunity to comment on the role of natural killer (NK) cells in PBC pathogenesis.1,2 Indeed, the liver hosts a large number of highly specialized resident NK cells,3 which are key players in liver immunity. We agree with Dr Hydes and Prof. Khakoo on the relevance of NK cells in bridging innate with adaptive immunity in PBC, with one characteristic being enhanced interferon (IFN)-γ, other than IL-10, production. Full-Text PDF