The Role of Innate Lymphoid Cells in the Pathogenesis of Hepatic Echinococcosis: A Literature Review

Hepatic echinococcosis (HE), a major zoonotic disease, remains endemic in pastoral regions of Western China, where its incidence is closely linked to geographical, livestock and sanitary conditions. The disease presents a significant clinical challenge due to the complexity of host-parasite interactions and a high recurrence rate. To date, the underlying pathogenesis and effective prevention and control strategies remain inadequately studied. Particularly, it is still unclear how innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) affect disease progression and therapeutic intervention. This review focuses on ILCs and their emerging role in the pathogenesis of HE. Through an in-depth analysis of the biological characteristics of ILCs, we revealed their significant role in immune responses and therapeutic mechanisms. Additionally, we also investigated their dynamic involvement in the development of HE. Furthermore, the specific role of gene editing in modulating ILC function was examined. Clinically, we assessed the distribution and functional status of ILCs in patients with HE and analysed their association with hepatic fibrosis and other complications. Finally, we explored novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies based on ILC functional modulation. In short, this review highlights the critical role of ILCs in shaping the immunological landscape of HE, offering a theoretical basis for the development of ILC-targeted diagnosis and treatment of the disease. Through ILC functional modulation, the intervention of fibrotic progression and immune imbalance holds promise for overcoming current therapeutic limitations and advancing clinical translation.