The Putative Role of Natural Killer Cells in Patients with Hepatitis C Virus-Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Date

2021

Authors

Hassona, Mona M
Radwan, Enas M
Abdelsameea, Eman
ESTAPHAN, Suzanne
Abd Elrhman, Heba E
Abdel-Samiee, Mohamed
Naguib, Mary

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Asia Pacific Organization for Cancer Prevention

Abstract

Background: Natural Killer (NK) cells have crucial roles in immune responses against malignant transformation including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The NKG2D receptor has a critical role in the NK recognition of target cells. Aim: We assessed NKG2D receptor expression as a diagnostic biomarker for HCC detection and progression in Egyptian patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related HCC. Methods: We classified 81 patients into three groups: chronic hepatitis (21), cirrhotic (30) and HCC (30) patients, with 36 individuals enrolled to the control group. We analyzed NK levels in peripheral blood and NKG2D receptor expression in NK cells using flow cytometry. Results: We observed a significant decrease in NKG2D (CD314) expression on circulating NK cells and frequency of NK cells expressing NKG2D (CD314) in HCC patients. Also, in patients, larger foci lesions significantly correlated with decreased NK cell numbers. Multiple foci numbers and patients with a Child score C significantly correlated with decreased circulating NK cells expressing NKG2D and decreased NKG2D expression. Conclusion: The percentage of NK cells in peripheral blood and NKG2D receptor expression could function as potential biomarkers for HCC detection and progression.

Description

Keywords

Hepatocellular carcinoma, hepatitis C Virus, natural killer cells, NKG2D receptor

Citation

Source

Asia Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention

Type

Journal article

Book Title

Entity type

Access Statement

License Rights

Restricted until

2099-12-31

Downloads