Increased cytotoxic potential of CD160 receptor positive natural immune cells in chronic HCV infection

Background/Aims: Since innate immune cells are uniquely enriched in the inflammatory cell infiltrate of HCV infected liver, the importance of these innate cells in the pathogenesis of liver inflammation emerges. Altered natural killer (NK) cell activity in chronic HCV infection is still controversial, since both impaired and intact NK cell function have been described. Activation of CD160 receptor causes strong cytotoxic activity and Th-1 type pro-inflammatory cytokines production in NK cells. Very little information is currently available about the expression pattern and function of CD160 receptor in innate imm…