Pathogenesis and treatment of autoimmune hepatitis and chronic viral hepatitis B and C

Abstract

Immune mechanisms play a role in autoimmune hepatitis which is considered as "idiopathic" inflammatory liver disease of unknown etiology. However, even chronic viral hepatitis B and C have also features suggesting the importance of immunopathogenesis in their development. This paper discusses the major genetical and immunological factors in the above-mentioned chronic liver diseases and briefly summarizes their therapeutic modalities.