CD8+ T cells specific to HAV‐unrelated viruses are activated and proliferate during AHA. Hepatocytes from HAV‐infected liver overexpressed NKG2D ligands. Liver injury during AHA is associated with innate‐like cytotoxic function of bystander‐activated CD8+ T cells in an NKG2D‐dependent manner. The gene discussed is CD8A; the disease is autoimmune hemolytic anemia.