The immunopathogenesis of Primary Biliary Cholangitis from T cell prospective

This thesis aims to reinforce the role of the biliary epithelial cells (BEC)-T cells crosstalk as central mechanism in the pathogenesis of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). I will also explore the role of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the pathogenesis of PBC, proposing a new approach to use induced Tregs as cell therapy for the treatment of PBC. In the first chapter, I will explore at first the complex processes involved in maintaining the immune tolerance within the liver in homeostatic condition. I will, then, discussed the anatomy and physiology of the BECs, introducing their role as immune active cells. A general overview of PBC will be then provided, fading into its pathogenesis with a particular focus on the BEC-T cell interaction and the role of Tregs. I will mention emperipolesis as an under identified entity in PBC pathology and potential factor in PBC pathogenesis. Finally, I will describe the general biology and classification of cell-in-cell (CIC) structure, focusing on its role within the liver.