IFN-alpha activated NK cells require DNAM-1 for recognition of infected cells during acute HCV infection

NK cells are a crucial component of the innate defense against viruses where they kill infected cells and orchestrate adaptive immune responses. Whereas substantial evidence suggests that NK cells are important in control of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, their role during acute HCV infection still remains largely undefined. The aim of this study was to characterize phenotypical properties of NK cells from patients with acute HCV infection and the capacity of NK cells from these patients to functionally respond against HCV-infected hepatoma cells. Our results show that acute HCV infection and subsequ…