Immunometabolic Pathways in Hepatotoxicity: Cross-Talk Between the Liver and Peripheral Immune Cells
Kungu Erisa
Faculty of Pharmacy Kampala International University Uganda
Email: erisa.kungu@studwc.kiu.ac.ug
ABSTRACT
Hepatotoxicity arises from a complex interplay of metabolic dysregulation, immune activation, and inflammatory signaling within the liver and beyond. The liver is not only the primary organ for xenobiotic metabolism but also a central immunological hub that constantly interacts with peripheral immune cells through cytokines, chemokines, metabolites, and damage-associated molecular patterns. Immunometabolism—the integration of metabolic pathways with immune cell function-has emerged as a critical framework for understanding liver injury induced by drugs, toxins, infections, and metabolic stress. Alterations in hepatic metabolism can shape immune cell phenotypes, while immune-derived signals profoundly influence hepatocellular function, mitochondrial activity, and redox balance. This bidirectional cross-talk plays a decisive role in determining whether liver injury resolves or progresses to chronic inflammation, fibrosis, or liver failure. This review synthesizes current knowledge on immunometabolic pathways involved in hepatotoxicity, focusing on the interactions between hepatocytes, Kupffer cells, hepatic stellate cells, and peripheral immune populations such as monocytes, neutrophils, and lymphocytes. Key metabolic regulators, including mitochondrial function, lipid and glucose metabolism, amino acid sensing, and redox signaling, are discussed in the context of immune modulation. Understanding these integrated pathways provides new opportunities for biomarker discovery and therapeutic strategies aimed at mitigating hepatotoxicity while preserving essential immune functions.
Keywords: Immunometabolism; Hepatotoxicity; Liver–immune cross-talk; Peripheral immune cells; Inflammatory signaling.
CITE AS: Kungu Erisa (2026). Immunometabolic Pathways in Hepatotoxicity: Cross-Talk Between the Liver and Peripheral Immune Cells. IDOSR JOURNAL OF APPLIED SCIENCES 11(2):21-27.
https://doi.org/10.59298/IDOSRJAS/2026/1122127