Role of apoptosis in the pathogenesis of primary biliary cholangitis

Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a chronic cholestatic liver disease associated with autoimmune phenomena. PBC is characterized by high serum levels of anti-mitochondrial antibodies (AMA) and progressive non-suppurative inflammation of small and medium-sized intrahepatic bile ducts, which could lead to cholestasis, liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and ultimately liver failure. Apoptosis is the main mechanism of programmed cell death and is an important mechanism to regulate and maintain tissue growth and homeostasis. The clearance of apoptotic cells is a highly regulated process, which is essential to avoid the cell contents from flowing out and to limit the immune response to the generated antigens. Here, we provide a brief overview of the role of apoptosis in the pathogenesis of PBC.