Acute-on-chronic Liver Failure: Systemic Inflammation and Immunosuppression, 2nd edition

Book excerpt: Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is a fatal disease that develops in the basis of chronic liver diseases due to acute precipitating events. The lack of definite therapies for ACLF other than liver transplantation urges us to investigate its pathophysiological mechanism. It has been recognized that systemic inflammation is a major driver of ACLF. Although the link between systemic inflammation and organ failure has been established, less is known about how systemic inflammation forms and how it impacts on the organ functions. On the other hand, immunosuppression is another facet of immune derangement of ACLF, which leads to secondary bacterial infections and worsens the situation. However, so far, we know very little on the development of immunosuppression during ACLF and its molecular mechanisms. Thus, this disease is still a big challenge to both clinicians and researchers. The immune derangement of ACLF is characterized by systemic inflammation and immunosuppression. Therefore, one aspect of this Research Topics is to define the concept of systemic inflammation in the context of ACLF. We should clarify the anatomy of systemic inflammation, including the inducers (DAMP and PAMP), immune cells, cytokines and other elements, and their specific roles. We should also investigate how systemic inflammation impacts on organ function and thereby precipitates the development of organ failure. The other aspect of this Research Topic is to delineate immunosuppression in ACLF. Likewise, we need to define immunosuppression by elucidating its causative mechanisms and uncover the specific stage of ACLF at which immunosuppression occurs. Besides, it is essential to further evaluate the impact of immunosuppression on the progression of ACLF. The investigation at these two facets of immune derangement of ACLF will lead to the discovery of biomarkers and potential therapeutical targets.