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

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.

Effect of secretory DKK3 on circulating CD56bright natural killer cells in patients with liver cancer

“…9 Immunotherapy based on NK cells has become a promising treatment for liver cancer. 10 Promoting the transformation of CD56 bright NK cells to CD56 dim NK is beneficial for patients to fight tumors through their own immune systems. 10…”

“…10 Promoting the transformation of CD56 bright NK cells to CD56 dim NK is beneficial for patients to fight tumors through their own immune systems. 10…”

“…9 Immunotherapy based on NK cells has become a promising treatment for liver cancer. 10 Promoting the transformation of CD56 bright NK cells to CD56 dim NK is beneficial for patients to fight tumors through their own immune systems. 10 The Wnt signaling pathway is involved in the process of embryonic development and maintains the differentiation and self-renewal of stem cells.…”

“…10 Promoting the transformation of CD56 bright NK cells to CD56 dim NK is beneficial for patients to fight tumors through their own immune systems. 10 The Wnt signaling pathway is involved in the process of embryonic development and maintains the differentiation and self-renewal of stem cells. 11 Abnormal activation of the Wnt signaling pathway leads to hepatocellular carcinogenesis and promotes the development of liver cancer.…”

Red cell distribution width as a predictor of outcome in hospitalized cirrhotic patients

“…Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a severe public health issue that affects 170 million individuals globally [4,5]. Liver fibrosis is a common consequence of HCV infection that may progress to cirrhosis, decompensation and hepatocellular carcinoma [6][7][8].…”