The human liver is regarded as a lymphoid organ that contributes to both local and systemic immune response. Intrahepatic immune cells including regulatory T cells (Tregs) reside in the hepatic microenvironment which is enriched with proinflammatory cytokines, chemokines and metabolites. In addition, the hepatic microenvironment has the unique ability to establish and maintain immune tolerance despite the continuous influx of the gut derived microbial products via the portal vein. Regulatory T cells play a crucial role in maintaining the hepatic tolerogenic state; however, the phenotypic stability, function and survival of Tregs in the inflamed liver microenvironment is still poorly understood. Despite this, Tregs immunotherapy remains as an appealing therapeutic option in autoimmune and immune mediated liver diseases. In order to advance cell therapy, it is important for us to further our understanding of the hepatic microenvironment, with the aim of developing ways to modify the hostile, inflamed environment to one which is more favourable. By doing so, T cell stability and function would be enhanced, resulting in improved clinical outcomes.

人肝被认为是有助于局部和全身免疫反应的淋巴器官。包括调节性T细胞（Tregs）在内的肝内免疫细胞位于肝微环境中，该环境富含促炎细胞因子，趋化因子和代谢产物。此外，尽管肠道来源的微生物产品通过门静脉不断涌入，肝微环境仍具有建立和维持免疫耐受的独特能力。调节性T细胞在维持肝耐受性状态中起着至关重要的作用。然而，在发炎的肝微环境中，Tregs的表型稳定性，功能和存活仍然知之甚少。尽管如此，在自身免疫和免疫介导的肝病中，Tregs免疫疗法仍然是有吸引力的治疗选择。为了促进细胞治疗，对我们而言，重要的是进一步了解肝微环境，以期开发出将敌对的，发炎的环境改变为更有利的环境的方法。通过这样做，将增强T细胞的稳定性和功能，从而改善临床结果。