Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells provide a central defense against viral infection by using inhibitory and activation receptors for major histocompatibility complex class I molecules as a means of controlling their activity. We show that genes encoding the inhibitory NK cell receptor KIR2DL3 and its human leukocyte antigen C group 1 (HLA-C1) ligand directly influence resolution of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. This effect was observed in Caucasians and African Americans with expected low infectious doses of HCV but not in those with high-dose exposure, in whom the innate immune response is likely overwhelmed. The data strongly suggest that inhibitory NK cell interactions are important in determining antiviral immunity and that diminished inhibitory responses confer protection against HCV.
Publication types
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Multicenter Study
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
MeSH terms
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Adolescent
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Adult
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Alleles
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Black or African American / genetics
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Blood Transfusion
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Child
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Cohort Studies
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Female
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HLA-C Antigens / genetics*
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HLA-C Antigens / immunology
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HLA-C Antigens / metabolism
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Hepacivirus / immunology
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Hepacivirus / physiology
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Hepatitis C / genetics
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Hepatitis C / immunology*
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Hepatitis C / transmission
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Hepatitis C / virology
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Homozygote
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Humans
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Killer Cells, Natural / immunology*
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Ligands
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Male
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Receptors, Immunologic / genetics*
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Receptors, Immunologic / metabolism
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Receptors, KIR
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Receptors, KIR2DL1
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Receptors, KIR2DL3
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Regression Analysis
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White People / genetics
Substances
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HLA-C Antigens
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KIR2DL3 protein, human
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Ligands
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Receptors, Immunologic
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Receptors, KIR
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Receptors, KIR2DL1
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Receptors, KIR2DL3