Expression of E-cadherin by CD8 T cells promotes their invasion into biliary epithelial cells.

The presence of CD8 T cells in the cytoplasm of biliary epithelial cells (BEC) has been correlated with biliary damage associated with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). Here, we characterise the mechanism of CD8 T cell invasion into BEC. CD8 T cells observed within BEC were large, eccentric, and expressed E-cadherin, CD103 and CD69.

Interplay between Mast Cells and Regulatory T Cells in Immune-Mediated Cholangiopathies.

Immune-mediated cholangiopathies are characterised by the destruction of small and large bile ducts causing bile acid stasis, which leads to subsequent inflammation, fibrosis, and eventual cirrhosis of the liver tissue. A breakdown of peripheral hepatic immune tolerance is a key feature of these diseases. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are a major anti-inflammatory immune cell subset, and their quantities and functional capacity are impaired in autoimmune liver diseases.