Dual roles of T cells in metabolic dysfunction–associated steatohepatitis pathogenesis and liver fibrosis: From inflammation to therapeutic targets

Metabolic dysfunction–associated steatohepatitis (MASH), a progressive form of metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), is becoming a serious global health threat. Both the innate and adaptive immune responses contribute to MASH-associated inflammation and fibrosis. Increasing evidence has shown that T-cell–mediated adaptive immunity triggers inflammation and fibrosis in MASH cells through cytotoxicity, cytokines, and other pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic mediators. This review focuses on the roles of different T cell subsets in MASH-associated liver inflammation and fibrosis. Factors related to inflammation and potential therapeutic approaches targeting T cells in MASH are also discussed.