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. This evidence concerns the gene KLRK1 and autoimmune hemolytic anemia.