Pathogenesis of primary biliary cirrhosis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, and autoimmune cholangiopathy.

Autoimmune liver diseases have much in common with each other, and there are clear associations with genetic haplotypes. Elegant studies have shown autoimmune liver disease induced by viruses and drugs. Although there is evidence for nonimmunological events precipitating immune disease, especially in primary sclerosing cholangitis, the precise pathways, what is bystander and what is essential, have not been determined. This article reviews some of the mechanisms involved in pathogenesis.