Evaluation of CCR5 expression on NK cells in Iranian patients with occult hepatitis B infection

Abstract

Background: The CCR5 receptor and its ligands play an important role in the immune defense mechanism against HBV. Hence, the aim of this project was to determine the rate of CCR5 expression on NK cells of occult HBV infection (OBI) patients. Material and Methods: We tested 3700 plasma samples for the presence of HBsAg, anti-HBc, and HBV-DNA to identify OBI. Subsequently, CD56 and CD195/CCR5 was used in flow cytometry to evaluate CCR5 on NK cells from OBI patients. Results: Out of 3700 blood samples 352 (9.5%) were HBsAg -/anti-HBc+. Among these samples, 57 were HBV-DNA +, representing a total of 57 OBI patients. Our results showed that the number and intensity of CCR5/CD195+ NK cells was decreased in cell samples from all of our OBI patients. Conclusion: NK cells in OBI patients may be unable to express sufficient CCR5 to mount an effective immune response to HBV infection.