Emerging Roles for Lipids in the Hepatic Innate Immune

The liver provides residence to one of the largest and most heterogeneous populations of innate immune cells within the body. Owing to its location downstream of the intestine and the constant interaction with gut derived factor, these immune cells protect both the liver and the periphery from a variety of invading pathogens while also contributing both positively and negatively to a number of chronic liver pathologies. Growing evidence indicates a critical role for lipid in the regulation of the hepatic innate immune response. Likewise, excess lipid consumption and accumulation within the liver represents a major clinical problem and nexus for lipid – immune cell interaction. The current review highlights our current understanding of the interactions of and mechanisms by which lipids may modulate the hepatic innate immunity.