Live Imaging of Innate and Adaptive Immune Responses in the Liver

Abstract

Immune response in the liver is determined by the spatial organization and cellular dynamics of hepatic immune cells. The liver vasculature accommodates abundant tissue-resident innate immune cells, such as Kupffer cells, natural killer cells, and natural killer T cells, to ensure efficient intravascular immunosurveillance. The fenestrated sinusoids also allow direct contact between circulating T cells and non-canonical antigen-presenting cells, such as hepatocytes, to instruct adaptive immune responses. Distinct cellular behaviors are exploited by liver immune cells to exert proper functions. Intravital imaging enables real-time visualization of individual immune cell in living animals, representing a powerful tool in dissecting the spatiotemporal features of intrahepatic immune cells during steady state and liver diseases. This review summarizes current advances in liver immunology prompted by in vivo imaging, with a particular focus on liver-resident innate immune cells and hepatic T cells.

Gut‐liver axis‐mediated mechanism of liver cancer: A special focus on the role of gut microbiota

“…Therefore, the liver must select useful dietary digests for uptake as nutrients, while simultaneously preventing the uptake of unfavorable pathobionts and immunogens via immunosurveillance. 18 , 19 Figure 2 shows the structural organization of the hepatic lobule, where portal blood arrives. This hepatic lobule can be identified by the portal triad (Figure 2 ).…”

“…Approximately 70% of hepatic blood flow, which is rich in dietary digests as well as molecules and metabolites produced by gut microbiota, is supplied from the gut via the portal vein. Therefore, the liver must select useful dietary digests for uptake as nutrients, while simultaneously preventing the uptake of unfavorable pathobionts and immunogens via immunosurveillance 18,19 . Figure 2 shows the structural organization of the hepatic lobule, where portal blood arrives.…”

In Vivo Tracking for Oncolytic Adenovirus Interactions with Liver Cells

“…Notably, by 72 hpi, the number of the liver macrophages returned back to normal. The rapid recovery of the KC population is likely achieved by recruitment of monocytes, whose number is sharply increased early after infection in response to the “open status” of the KC niche [ 40 ].…”

The immunological mechanisms and therapeutic potential in drug-induced liver injury: lessons learned from acetaminophen hepatotoxicity

“…There are several resident immune cells in the liver, such as Kupffer cells (KCs) and some types of innate lymphocytes [ 29 , 30 ]. These immune cells account for 10–20% of the total number of liver cells [ 31 ].In addition, the liver recruits circulating immune cells including macrophages, neutrophils, eosinophils, T lymphocytes, etc. [ 32 , 33 ].…”