Biliary Apotopes and Anti-Mitochondrial Antibodies Activate Innate Immune Responses in Primary Biliary Cirrhosis†

Abstract

These results provide a mechanism for the biliary specificity of PBC, the recurrence of disease after liver transplantation, and the success of ursodiol in treatment. They further emphasize the critical role of the innate immune system in the perpetuation of this autoimmune disease.