Are KIR-HLA Polymorphisms Relevant for the Outcome of Chronic Infected Hepatitis C Virus Patients?

HCV is a major public health problem worldwide with an estimated population of 71 million people suffering from chronic hepatitis C infection. Approximately 3,99,000 people die each year from hepatitis C, mostly from complications like cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HCV prevalence varies around the world. Regarding HCV genotypes in Europe, the most common subtype is 1b whilst in America the most frequent subtype is 1a. In the Middle East, North and Central Africa, the most prevalent genotype is 4 and in Asia, it is genotype is 3. HCV infection has two possible outcomes: spontaneous clearance or chronic infection [4]. Memory T helper cells and/or cytotoxic T lymphocytes can provide protection against HCV and contribute to spontaneous clearance. A significant number of chronic HCV-infected patients could develop complications such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the late stages.

Natural killer cells are a type of lymphocyte involved in the innate anti-viral immune response. Нe were first mentioned in the 1970s. NK cells have a crucial role in the prevention and progression of cancer and in immune surveillance as well. Нe function of the NK cell is controlled by killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR), a family of type I transmembrane glycoproteins which recognize HLA class I molecules. According to the “missing self” hypothesis, one important function of NK cells is to detect and eliminate cells if they fail to express normal self-antigens. A strategy to discriminate between normal and infected cells is the interaction with major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I proteins.

Many studies have shown that NK cells are linked to their KIR genotypes and they have a protective role against the HCV viral loads. Different interactions between KIR and HLA class I and class II molecules have an influence on the immunopathogenesis of chronic HCV and have a significant impact on NK cell function. Нere HLA molecules in association with KIR genes may be used as predictors for response to interferon treatment or for the outcome of chronic HCV infection. KIR-HLA polymorphisms are clinically relevant for the course of chronic HCV infection, aوٴectLng patient’s clinical status and potential development of a liver tumor. HCV recurrence is lower among patients with a larger number of activating KIR genes. The immune response against HCV is complex. Interactions between NK cells-KIR genes and HLA genes are challenging and could offer more answers for the different outcomes of HCV infected patients. Further research is required to shed some light on HCV immunopathogenesis.

Immunogenetics: Open access journal focuses on the genetic research areas of autoimmune disorders such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, diabetes mellitus type 1, systemic lupus erythematous, etc.

The journal invites different types of articles including original research article, review articles, short note communications, case reports, Editorials, letters to the Editors and expert opinions & commentaries from different regions for publication.

Media Contact:
Robert Solomon
Managing Editor
Immunogenetics: Open Access
Whatsapp no: +15046082390