Primary Biliary Cirrhosis: Symptoms, Causes, And Treatment

Causes

As with most autoimmune diseases, the underlying cause of primary biliary cirrhosis is unknown. It develops when there is an accumulation of T lymphocytes or T cells in the liver, which is a part of the immune system response. In a normally functioning immune system, T lymphocytes recognize foreign invaders and help defend the body against harm, such as bacteria. In individuals affected by primary biliary cirrhosis, the T lymphocyte cells attack and invade the cells lining the bile ducts in the liver, which causes inflammation and destruction of the bile ducts.

Get the details on what factors can increase an individual's risk of developing primary biliary cirrhosis next.