Causes and risk factors of Autoimmune Hepatitis

Genetic factors. Some people have a genetic predisposition; however, the exact relationship between genes and the autoimmune process remains unclear. 

Immunological factors. In autoimmune hepatitis, the immune system attacks the liver itself. The main cell populations involved are: 

• Immune cells, which normally protect the body from viruses and bacteria. In AIH, these cells mistakenly attack the liver.  

• Liver antigens, these are compounds found in liver cells that help the immune system recognize the cells as part of the body. In AIH, the immune system misinterprets these signals and then attacks the cells as “foreign invaders”. 

• The major histocompatibility complex (MHC), which acts as the body’s “identification system,” allowing cells to show immune cells who they are so they are not attacked. In AIH, this MHC causes the immune system to mistake the liver for a threat and attack it.  

Triggering factors. Certain factors, such as viral infections, medications, herbal remedies or vaccines, can act as triggers.