부산대학교 도서관

Background: Mutual links between HCV non-structural proteins and NK cells are relevant for the understanding HCV pathogenesis. The aim of this study was to find out their topographical relationship in situ within liver parenchyma. Material/Methods: Small fragments of liver biopsies collected during routine diagnostic procedures of 61 HCV-infected patients and 2 uninfected ones. Fresh frozen liver tissue sections were subjected to indirect immunofluorescence using monoclonal primary antibodies vs. HCV NS3 protein, CD56 and NKG2D antigens of NK cells. Results: NS3 was demonstrated in 44% of biopsies as cytoplasmic fluorescence in single dispersed hepatocytes. CD56+ cells were present in inflammatory cellular infiltrates in almost 74% of cases, and usually accompanied NS3+ cells. NKG2D+ ones had similar distribution to CD56+ cells and were detected in 76% of biopsies. Conclusions: The results of this study show, that NS3+ in hepatocytes is not universally expressed, perhaps due to its enzymatic activity. Presence of NK cells in their vicinity suggests some mutual relationship between them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]