Genetics in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: The role of risk alleles through the lens of immune response

Clin Mol Hepatol. 2023 Feb;29(Suppl):S184-S195. doi: 10.3350/cmh.2022.0318. Epub 2022 Dec 5.

Abstract

The knowledge on the genetic component of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has grown exponentially over the last 10 to 15 years. This review summarizes the current evidence and the latest developments in the genetics of NAFLD and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) from the immune system's perspective. Activation of innate and or adaptive immune response is an essential driver of NAFLD disease severity and progression. Lipid and immune pathways are crucial in the pathophysiology of NAFLD and NASH. Here, we highlight novel applications of genomic techniques, including single-cell sequencing and the genetics of gene expression, to elucidate the potential involvement of NAFLD/NASH-risk alleles in modulating immune system cells. Together, our focus is to provide an overview of the potential involvement of the NAFLD/NASH-related risk variants in mediating the immune-driven liver disease severity and diverse systemic pleiotropic effects.

Keywords: Genetics; HSD17B13; Immune system; Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis; PNPLA3.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Alleles
  • Humans
  • Immunity
  • Liver / metabolism
  • Liver Neoplasms* / genetics
  • Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease* / genetics
  • Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease* / metabolism