Another study showed that circulating MAIT cells were reduced and functionally impaired (decreased production of IFN-γ and TNF-α), in NAFLD patients; MAIT cells were increased in the liver of NAFLD patients, and their number was found to positively correlate with the NAS values (NAFLD activity score); in vitro, activated MAIT cells induced macrophages differentiation toward M2 phenotype, and MAIT cells-deficient MCD-fed mice showed enhanced liver steatosis and inflammation than WT mice, thus suggesting a protective role for these cells in disease progression (207). This evidence concerns the gene IFNG and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease.