Cell-mediated immunity in liver disease.

Four liver diseases in which cell-mediated immunity seems to be of major importance but in which the exact pathogenic event has been not fully clarified have been briefly discussed. More precise delineation of the phenotypes of mononuclear cells and the advent of in vitro techniques for the study of lymphocyte function and cytotoxicity have led to better understanding of the importance of cell-mediated immunity in some liver diseases. It seems that the liver itself may be variously affected by different immunologic reactions, not only in various diseases but also in different locations in the same disease.