Unmet needs in autoimmune liver diseases

Abstract

Autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cholangitis, and primary sclerosing cholangitis are well-defined autoimmune liver diseases, the pathophysiology of which remains enigmatic. While major therapeutic advances have been achieved for many other autoimmune diseases, precision therapy for these diseases has lagged. For example, limited data exist on the use of innovative drugs targeting the immune system, such as monoclonal antibodies that block immune checkpoint, mRNA vaccines, the influence of infections, the microbiome, and drugs on loss of tolerance in liver autoimmunity. The knowledge on recent radiological techniques, on the expanding role of artificial intelligence in medicine, and on the relationship between the pediatric and adult phenotypes also urgently needs to be advanced in liver autoimmunity. Increased patient involvement focusing on individual symptom burden is also crucial for improving long-term quality of treatment. The fourth Swiss Autoimmune Liver Disease Meeting provided a unique interdisciplinary platform for experts and patients to discuss critical gaps. This opinion paper highlights the discussions on unmet needs and potential solutions in autoimmune liver diseases.