Annals of medicine
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Immune responses are important in the progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Natural killer T (NKT) cells are main components of the innate immune system that modulate immunity. However, the role of NKT cells in NAFLD remains controversial. ⋯ NKT cells have protective roles in NAFLD as the disease progresses. During diet-induced steatosis, mild to moderate NASH and the early stage of fibrosis, hepatic NKT cells are relatively depleted, leading to a proinflammatory status. In severe NASH and the advanced stage of liver fibrosis, NKT cells play a role in inhibiting the NASH-related fibrogenic response. Chronic administration of α-GalCer induces NKT cell anergy and tolerance, which may play a role in promoting the liver fibrogenic response.