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Journal of Translational Medicine

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Open Access 01-12-2014 | Research

Liver myofibroblasts from hepatitis B related liver failure patients may regulate natural killer cell function via PGE2

Authors: Min Zhang, Fenglan Wang, Yutian Chong, Qiang Tai, Qiyi Zhao, Yubao Zheng, Liang Peng, Shumei Lin, Zhiliang Gao

Published in: Journal of Translational Medicine | Issue 1/2014

Abstract

Background

Natural killer (NK) cells are abundant in the liver and constitute a major innate immune component that contributes to immune-mediated liver injury. However, few studies have investigated the phenotypes and functions of NK cells involved in hepatitis B related liver failure (LF), and the precise mechanism underlying NK cell regulation is not fully understood.

Methods

We detected the percentage and function of peripheral NK cells both in hepatitis B related LF patients and healthy volunteers by flow cytometry and isolated the liver myofibroblasts (LMFs) from hepatitis B related LF livers. To determine the possible effects of LMFs on NK cells, mixed cell cultures were established in vitro.

Results

We found a down-regulated percentage of peripheral NK cells in hepatitis B related LF patients, and their NK cells also displayed decreased activated natural cytotoxicity receptors (NCRs) and cytokine production. In a co-culture model, LMFs sharply attenuated IL-2-induced NK cell triggering receptors, cytotoxicity, and cytokine production. The inhibitory effect of LMFs on NK cells correlated with their ability to produce prostaglandin (PG) E2.

Conclusion

These data suggest that LMFs may protect against immune-mediated liver injury in hepatitis B related LF patients by inhibiting NK cell function via PGE2.

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Title: Liver myofibroblasts from hepatitis B related liver failure patients may regulate natural killer cell function via PGE2
Authors: Min Zhang
Fenglan Wang
Yutian Chong
Qiang Tai
Qiyi Zhao
Yubao Zheng
Liang Peng
Shumei Lin
Zhiliang Gao
Publication date: 01-12-2014
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Journal of Translational Medicine / Issue 1/2014
Electronic ISSN: 1479-5876
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12967-014-0308-9

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