Immune-mediated liver failure

The primary causative factors of liver failure include direct damage and immune-mediated liver injury. Increasing evidence suggests that immune-mediated injury plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of liver failure. The new concepts concerning the mechanisms of immune-mediated liver injury in liver failure are reviewed with relevant basic and clinical studies in both humans and animals. The innate and adaptive immunity, particularly the interaction of various immune cells and molecules, as well as apoptosis-related molecules, are discussed in detail.