Autoimmune Hepatitis research at the Clínic

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) research at the Hospital Clínic Barcelona is carried out mainly through IDIBAPS, within the Liver, Digestive System and Metabolism Area and the Viral, Genetic and Immune-Mediated Liver Diseases group. The projects focus on better understanding the causes and mechanisms of the disease, developing more effective treatments and improving patients’ quality of life. 

One of the main lines of research is to understand how and why the immune system attacks the liver, so early identification of patients likely to have a more difficult-to-treat form of the disease may be possible. To achieve this, clinical and biological samples from patients are analysed using advanced technologies that help study the characteristics of their immune cells and liver tissue. The aim is for this information to help predict disease progression and design more personalised, effective treatments. 

Another line of research focuses on finding biomarkers to allow the safe withdrawal of immunosuppressive therapy. AIH usually requires long-term medication, which can cause side effects. Identifying biological signals that indicate when treatment can be reduced or stopped without risk of relapse would significantly improve the quality of life for patients. 

The group also studies how AIH evolves in special situations, such as during pregnancy or in patients with cirrhosis. In pregnant women, the disease usually remains stable, although it can flare up again after childbirth. In patients with cirrhosis, especially when decompensated, treatment management is more complex; so researchers are working to identify markers to guide therapeutic decisions and minimise complications. 

Finally, quality of life is a key priority for the research group. Through specific questionnaires, researchers collect information directly from patients to better understand how the disease and its treatment affect their well-being. These data help tailor care and guide new therapeutic strategies. 

The group also participates in international collaborative studies within the ERN RARE-LIVER network and receives funding from public agencies (such as the Instituto de Salud Carlos III and CIBEREHD) and from competitive industry projects. In addition, the researchers are members of several national and international scientific societies, including the Spanish Association for the Study of the Liver (AEEH), the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) and the International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group (IAIHG).