CD27(+)CD56Bright natural killer cells may be involved in spontaneous clearance of acute hepatitis C in HIV-positive patients.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to analyse the potential role of CD27 in natural killer (NK) cell-mediated control of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in HIV-positive patients.

DESIGN

Frequency of CD27-expressing CD56 NK cells was analysed in HIV mono-infected individuals and HIV-positive patients with acute or chronic hepatitis C. Anti-HCV activity of CD27(+) and CD27(-) NK cells was compared.

METHODS

NK cell mediated inhibition of HCV replication was analysed using the HUH7 HCV Replicon model. NK cell phenotype and interferon (IFN) secretion was studied by flowcytometry.

RESULTS

High frequency of CD27(+)CD56 NK cells is associated with spontaneous clearance of acute hepatitis C in HIV-positive patients. Accordingly, we found CD27(+)CD56 NK cells to display strong anti-HCV activity.

CONCLUSION

Our results underline the important role of NK cells in modulating outcome of HCV infection.