Figure 3. The roles of hepatic NK cells in human liver diseases.

In a variety of liver diseases, such as viral hepatitis, fatty liver, liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, tumor, and others, significant alterations of hepatic NK cells are observed. NK cells can accumulate within the liver and have higher levels of cytotoxicity and cytokine production, which can be beneficial in inhibiting viral infection, tumor cell growth, and liver fibrosis but can also enhance hepatocellular damage. In addition, chronic liver diseases are associated with a decreased number of NK cells and impairments in NK cell cytotoxicity and cytokine production.