Unraveling the non-fitness status of NK cells: Examining the NKp30 receptor and its isoforms distribution in HIV/HCV coinfected patients

• Published in: Molecular immunology 2024-08, Vol.172, p.9-16
• Main Authors: Gutiérrez-Iñiguez, Cecilia, Cervantes-Rodríguez, Paulina, González-Hernández, Luz Alicia, Andrade-Villanueva, Jaime Federico, Gutiérrez-Silerio, Gloria Yareli, Peña Rodríguez, Marcela, Rubio-Sánchez, Alina Xcaret, García-Castillo, Estefania, Marín-Contreras, María Eugenia, Del Toro-Arreola, Susana, Bueno-Topete, Miriam Ruth, Vega-Magaña, Natali
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Coinfection; HCV; HIV; Liver damage; NK cells; NKp30
• ISSN: 0161-5890; 1872-9142; 1872-9142
• DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2024.05.010

HIV/HCV coinfection is associated with a rapid progression to liver damage. Specifically, NK cell population dysregulation is of particular interest, as these cells have been shown to block HCV replication effectively and have an anti-fibrogenic activity. The NKp30 receptor is linked to tumor cell lysis and has a crucial role during viral infections. In the present study, we determined the subpopulations of NK cells based on CD56 and CD16 expression, NKp30 receptor expression, its isoforms A, B, and C, along with the cytotoxicity molecules in patients with HIV/HCV. Results: evidenced by the APRI and FIB-4 indices, the HCV-infected patients presented greater liver damage than the HIV and HIV/HCV groups. The HCV group presented a decreased expression of NKp30 isoform A, and NK cell frequency was not different between groups; however, CD56brigth subpopulation, NKp30 receptor, and CD247 adaptor chain were decreased in HIV/HCV patients; further, we described increased levels of soluble IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, and IL-23 in the serum of HIV/HCV patients. Conclusions: HCV and HIV/HCV patients have multiple parameters of non-fitness status in NK cells; awareness of these dysfunctional immunological parameters in HIV/HCV and HCV patients can elucidate possible novel therapeutics directed towards the improvement of NK cell fitness status, in order to improve their function against liver damage. [Display omitted] •HCV-infected patients presented greater liver damage.•CD56brigth NK cells, NKp30, and CD247 were diminished in HIV/HCV patients.•A decreased mRNA expression of NKp30 isoform A was seen in HCV patients.•Increased levels of soluble IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, and IL-23 were found in HIV/HCV patients.•Liver damage and NKp30+CD247+ NK cell frequency had a negative correlation.