Induction of hepatic fibrosis by an adenovirus encoding the human liver autoantigen cytochrome P450 2D6

Autoimmune hepatitis is an autoimmune liver disease whose cause is currently unknown. We recently developed an animal model which resembles AIH in that antigen-specific B – and T cell responses were observed. To trigger the disease an adenovirus (Ad) encoding the human Cytochrome P450IID6 (hCYP2D6), the major autoantigen in AIH type 2, was used. Importantly, infection with Ad-2D6 initiated autoimmune processes which caused chronic inflammation and fibrogenesis in the liver. Fibrosis was characterized by increased extracellular matrix deposition in and underneath the capsule whereas the liver parenchyma was less…