CD8+ tissue-resident memory T cells promote liver fibrosis resolution by inducing apoptosis of hepatic stellate cells

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a leading cause of chronic liver disease that can progress to liver fibrosis. Recent clinical advance suggests a reversibility of liver fibrosis, but the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying NASH resolution remain unclarified. Here, using a murine diet-induced NASH and the subsequent resolution model, we demonstrate direct roles of CD8(+) tissue-resident memory CD8(+) T (CD8(+) Trm) cells in resolving liver fibrosis. Single-cell transcriptome analysis and FACS analysis revealed CD69(+)CD103(-)CD8(+) Trm cell enrichment in NASH resolution livers. The reduction of liver CD8(+) Trm cells, maintained by tissue IL-15, significantly delayed fibrosis resolution, while adoptive transfer of these cells protected mice from fibrosis progression. During resolution, CD8(+) Trm cells attracted hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in a CCR5-dependent manner, and predisposed activated HSCs to FasL-Fas-mediated apoptosis. Histological assessment of patients with NASH revealed CD69(+)CD8(+) Trm abundance in fibrotic areas, further supporting their roles in humans. These results highlight the undefined role of liver CD8(+) Trm in fibrosis resolution. The cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the resolution of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis remain incompletely understood. Here the authors report a single cell-based analysis that identified CD8 + tissue-resident memory T cells, which contribute to resolution of liver fibrosis potentially via elimination of hepatic stellate cells through Fas-mediated cytotoxicity.

Automated summary

The study identified CD8+ tissue-resident memory T cells as key players in resolving liver fibrosis, potentially through Fas-mediated cytotoxicity to eliminate hepatic stellate cells.