Comprehensive analysis of NK cell phenotype and function during the initial phase of antiviral therapy: distinct roles of Ribavirin and Interferon alpha
AA Markova, B Bremer, U Mihm, V Schlaphoff, E Herrmann, K Stegmann, J Jaroszewicz, S Lunemann, J Grabowski, T Berg, S Zeuzem, MP Manns, M Cornberg, H Wedemeyer · Zeitschrift für Gastroenterologie · 2013 · Heft 01
Bibliografische Angaben
Zusammenfassung
Background: Ribavirin (RBV) remains part of several interferon-free treatment strategies even though the mechanisms of action of RBV are still not fully understood. One hypothesis is that RBV increases responsiveness to type I interferons. Pegylated Interferon alpha (PEG-IFNα) has recently been shown to alter phenotype and function of NK cells which correlates with control of HCV infection. However, the effects of ribavirin alone or in combination with IFNα on peripheral NK cells are unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate NK cells during RBV monotherapy, PEG-IFNα monotherapy or combination treatment.…
