Conclusions and Future Opportunities

Abstract

Biliary diseases, also known as cholangiopathies, are a group of diseases affecting the intra- and extra- hepatic bile ducts with severe morbidity and mortality. The aetiology of the majority of biliary diseases remains unknown so far. Understanding the immunobiological functions played by cholangiocytes in health and disease, developing new animal models that mirror closely human biliary disease, studying the composition of the gut microbiome and understanding the genetics of biliary diseases are some of the aspects to be covered in this book. These undergoing efforts will hopefully advance our understanding of how these disorders initiate and develop and will guide future more refined therapeutic approaches.