Immunologic regulations in the pathogenesis of biliary atresia and hepatic fibrosis

Biliary atresis (BA) is a progressive disease affecting both intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile ducts during embryonic or neonatal period. Most cases of BA are sporadic and correlated with viral injuries of bile ducts as well as immune secondary damage. Although Kasai procedure may assist in rebuilding bile drainage, liver fibrosis aggravates patient conditions. And various immune factors interact with each other during pathogenesis. Key words: Biliary atresia; Hepatic fibrosis; Immunity; Pathogenesis