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Circulating Valpha24+Vbeta11+ NKT cell numbers and dendritic cell CD1d expression in hepatitis C virus infected

Hans J J van der Vliet1, Johan W Molling, B Mary E von Blomberg

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, Vrije Universiteit Medical Center, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. jj.vandervliet@vumc.nl

Clinical Immunology (Orlando, Fla.)
|January 11, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Circulating natural killer T (NKT) cell numbers are not reduced in hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. CD1d expression remains comparable, suggesting NKT cell therapy potential for HCV patients.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Virology
  • Hepatology

Background:

  • Natural killer T (NKT) cells regulate immune responses and can inhibit viral replication.
  • Activation of NKT cells by alpha-galactosylceramide (alpha-GalCer) requires CD1d expression and sufficient NKT cell numbers.
  • Previous research shows conflicting data on invariant Valpha24+Vbeta11+ NKT cell counts in hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the circulating numbers of invariant Valpha24+Vbeta11+ NKT cells in patients with active HCV infection.
  • To assess the expression levels of CD1d on antigen-presenting cells in HCV-infected individuals.
  • To determine the feasibility of evaluating alpha-GalCer's antiviral effects in HCV.

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional and longitudinal analysis of patients with HCV undergoing antiviral therapy.
  • Quantification of circulating Valpha24+Vbeta11+ NKT cells.
  • Assessment of CD1d expression on peripheral blood monocytes and CD1c+ myeloid dendritic cells (DCs) in healthy and HCV-infected individuals.

Main Results:

  • Circulating Valpha24+Vbeta11+ NKT cell numbers were not decreased in active HCV infection.
  • CD1d expression levels were comparable between healthy individuals and HCV-infected patients on monocytes and myeloid DCs.
  • The necessary components for NKT cell-based therapy evaluation are present in HCV patients.

Conclusions:

  • Active HCV infection does not lead to a reduction in circulating invariant Valpha24+Vbeta11+ NKT cells.
  • Sufficient CD1d expression on antigen-presenting cells in HCV patients supports potential therapeutic strategies.
  • These findings pave the way for exploring alpha-GalCer's efficacy against HCV.

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