Absence of activating killer immunoglobulin-like receptor genes combined with hepatitis C viral genotype is predictive of hepatocellular carcinoma

作者：Littera Roberto^*; Zamboni Fausto; Tondolo Vincenzo; Fantola Giovanni; Chessa Luchino; Orru Nicola; Sanna Marco; Valentini Donatella; Cappai Luisella; Mulargia Marina; Caocci Giovanni; Arras Marcella; Floris Andrea; Orru Sandro; La Nasa Giorgio; Carcassi Carlo

来源：Human Immunology, 2013, 74(10): 1288-1294.

DOI：10.1016/j.humimm.2013.05.007

Killer immunoglobulin-like receptors and their human leukocyte antigen class I ligands have a critical role in natural killer cell response to viral pathogens and tumors. %26lt;br%26gt;To investigate whether killer immunoglobulin-like receptor genes could influence the chronic course of hepatitis C virus infection and/or progression to hepatocellular carcinoma we retrospectively analyzed a cohort of 228 patients transplanted for hepatitis C virus-induced cirrhotic end stage liver disease, combined or not with hepatocellular carcinoma. %26lt;br%26gt;We found that patients completely lacking activating killer immunoglobulin-like receptor genes had a high risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma. %26lt;br%26gt;Hepatitis C viral genotype and viral load are other risk factors that can influence the course of chronic hepatitis C virus infection. In our study, the risk conferred by hepatitis C viral genotypes was enhanced in patients lacking activating killer immunoglobulin-like receptors. %26lt;br%26gt;These results point to an important role for activating killer immunoglobulin-like receptors in the control of hepatitis C virus infection and progression to hepatocellular carcinoma. In clinical practice, assessment of killer immunoglobulin-like receptor and hepatitis C viral genotype combinations should allow for more accurate monitoring of patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection.

• 出版日期2013-10