Natural killer cells: primary target for hepatitis C virus immune evasion strategies?
Liver Transpl
; 12(3): 363-72, 2006 Mar.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-16498647
Liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma secondary to chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection requiring transplantation represents a significant public health problem. The most remarkable feature of hepatitis C virus is the ability to establish chronic infection in the vast majority of cases. Efforts to define clinical correlates of HCV persistence have focused primarily on CD4 and CD8 T cell responses. Until recently, the role of innate immunity in determining the outcome of HCV infection had received relatively little attention. Natural killer (NK) cells are an important antiviral effector population eliminating virus through direct killing and cytokine production. Recent studies highlighting the cross-talk between NK cells, dendritic cells (DCs) and T cells have prompted reevaluation of the important role NK cells play in regulating and maintaining specific immune responses. Like many other viruses, HCV has evolved strategies to evade detection and elimination by NK cells. T cell defects observed in HCV infection may be a consequence of inhibition of NK:DC interactions. We propose a theoretical model for HCV persistence that places the NK cell at the center of HCV immune evasion strategies. While this model is only theoretical, it provides a plausible interpretation of many published observations and a useful working model to test the role of NK cells in HCV persistence. In conclusion, the role of innate immune cells and their regulation of antigen-specific responses by the initial innate response to the virus, in particular NK cells, may prove to be an informative and clinically relevant avenue of investigation.
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Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Células Matadoras Naturais
/
Transplante de Fígado
/
Hepacivirus
/
Hepatite C Crônica
/
Citotoxicidade Imunológica
Tipo de estudo:
Diagnostic_studies
/
Etiology_studies
/
Prognostic_studies
/
Risk_factors_studies
Limite:
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Liver Transpl
Assunto da revista:
GASTROENTEROLOGIA
/
TRANSPLANTE
Ano de publicação:
2006
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de publicação:
Estados Unidos