Progression from NAFLD to NASH: Miscommunication between the intestinal microbiota and the CD4 T cells as a potential cause (P04*)

• Subject Area: Gastroenterology
• Term: from 2018 to 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 80750187

What promotes non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) remains unknown. We hypothesize that dysbiotic intestinal microbiota promotes the plastic capacity of intestine-derived CD4 T cells to co-produce multiple pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are usually produced by distinct subsets. When these cells encounter intestine-derived bacterial antigens in the liver, they promote NASH. Furthermore, considering their plasticity, it is possible to pharmacologically convert these pathogenic cells into anti-inflammatory and control NASH development.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 841: Liver Inflammation: Infection, Immune Regulation and Consequences
• Applicant Institution: Universität Hamburg
• Project Head: Professor Nicola Gagliani, Ph.D.