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World J Gastroenterol. Dec 28, 2012; 18(48): 7141-7148
Published online Dec 28, 2012. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v18.i48.7141
Published online Dec 28, 2012. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v18.i48.7141
Role of autoimmunity in primary biliary cirrhosis
Tian-Yan Shi, Feng-Chun Zhang, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, Beijing 100032, China
Author contributions: Shi TY and Zhang FC designed the research; Shi TY wrote the manuscript; and Zhang FC edited the manuscript.
Correspondence to: Feng-Chun Zhang, MD, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, No. 41 Da Mu Cang, Western District, Beijing 100032, China. zhangfccra@hotmail.com
Telephone: +86-10-88068795 Fax: +86-10-88068794
Received: April 28, 2012
Revised: July 16, 2012
Accepted: August 14, 2012
Published online: December 28, 2012
Revised: July 16, 2012
Accepted: August 14, 2012
Published online: December 28, 2012
Abstract
Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is an autoimmune liver disease characterized by the presence of serum autoantibodies and chronic nonsuppurative destructive cholangitis. The pathogenesis of PBC involves environmental factors, genetic predisposition and loss of immune tolerance. In recent years, it has become univocally accepted that an inappropriately activated immune response is one of the most important factors in PBC. In this study, the role of autoimmunity in PBC is summarized and a feasible research orientation is recommended.
Keywords: Primary biliary cirrhosis; Autoimmunity; Humoral immunity; Cellular immunity; Nonspecific immunity