Natural killer cell populations in Egyptians infected with hepatitis C virus

Cell-to-cell contact with hepatitis C virus-infected cells reduces functional capacity of natural killer cells.

The distinct feature of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a high incidence of chronicity. The reason for chronic HCV infection has been actively investigated, and impairment of innate and adaptive immune responses against HCV is proposed as a plausible cause. Whereas functional impairment of HCV-specific T cells is well characterized, the role and functional status of natural killer (NK) cel...

Natural killer cell functional dichotomy in chronic hepatitis B and chronic hepatitis C virus infections.

BACKGROUND & AIMS The phenotypic and functional characteristics of natural killer (NK) cells in chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections are incompletely defined and largely controversial. METHODS We studied NK cell receptor expression, cytotoxic activity, and cytokine production in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 35 patients with chronic hepatitis C, 22 ...

Natural killer cells in hepatitis C virus infection.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection induces the long-term risk of liver cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma and in adults represents the most common cause of liver transplantation. Natural killer (NK) cells participate in innate immune responses with efficient direct antitumor and antiviral defense. Over the years, their complex interaction with downstream adaptive responses and with the regula...

Prevalence of Torque Teno Virus in Healthy Individuals and Peoples Infected with Hepatitis C Virus Living in Yazd, Iran

Hepatitis C Virus and Human Cytomegalovirus—Natural Killer Cell Subsets in Persistent Viral Infections

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) are prominent examples of RNA and DNA viruses, respectively, that establish a persistent infection in their host. HCV affects over 185 million patients worldwide, who are at high risk for developing liver fibrosis, liver cirrhosis, and ultimately hepatocellular carcinoma. Recent breakthroughs in HCV therapy, using direct-acting antivirals...