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

Littera R

First

Writing - Original Draft Preparation

;Zamboni F;Tondolo V;Fantola G;CHESSA, LUCHINO

Writing - Original Draft Preparation

;Orrù N;Sanna M;Valentini D;Cappai L;Mulargia M;CAOCCI, GIOVANNI

Writing - Review & Editing

;Arras M;FLORIS, ANDREA;ORRU, SANDRO;LA NASA, GIORGIO

Penultimate

Writing - Review & Editing

;CARCASSI, CARLO

Last

Writing - Original Draft Preparation

2013-01-01

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Abstract

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. 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. We found that patients completely lacking activating killer immunoglobulin-like receptor genes had a high risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma. 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. 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.