Opposite regulation of intestinal and intrahepatic CD8 + T cells controls alcohol-associated liver disease progression

BACKGROUND: Gut-liver crosstalk plays an important role in alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) pathogenesis; but underlying mechanisms remain obscure. OBJECTIVE: T lymphocytes and their contribution to ALD. DESIGN: mice were subjected to chronic-plus-binge ethanol feeding. RESULTS: T cells, improved gut barrier function and ameliorated ALD, while CD8 deficiency was linked to enhanced neutrophil and macrophage infiltration in the liver, exacerbating ALD in mice. CONCLUSIONS: T cells may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for ALD patients.