Abstract
Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is a chronic cholestatic liver disease for which an autoimmune pathogenesis is supported by clinical and experimental data, including the presence of autoantibodies and autoreactive T cells. The etiology remains to be determined, yet data suggest that both a susceptible genetic background and unknown environmental factors determine disease onset. Multiple infectious and chemical candidates have been proposed to trigger the disease in a genetically susceptible host, mostly by molecular mimicry. Most recently, several murine models have been reported, including genetically determined models as well as models induced by immunization with xenobiotics and bacteria.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 1-10 |
Number of pages | 10 |
Journal | Cellular and Molecular Immunology |
Volume | 7 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jan 2010 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Immunology and Allergy
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology