Killer Ig-like receptor (KIR) genetic polymorphism in chronic hepatitis B susceptibility in a Chinese population

Natural killer and CD8+ T cells are identified as cleaners to be involved in the immune protection against virus, bacteria and tumor cells. Their function may be regulated by a cohort of receptors such as killer immunogloblinlike receptors (KIRS) and their counterpart HLA class I ligands. In this study, we analyzed the influence of KIR genes and KIR/HLA-Cw combinations on chronia hepatitis B susceptibility in a Han Chinese population. For the purpose, KIR and HLA-C genotyping by PCR-SSP were performed in 175 patients with chronic hepatitis B and 125 patients who cleared HBV spontaneously. The results showed a significantly lower frequency of KIR2DL2 and KIR2DS2 in the case group which named patients with chronic hepatitis B, in who was found a higher frequency of KIR2DL3. However, KIR2DL2, -2DL3 and -2DS2 in the presence of their ligands HLA-C1 were failed to reach significance. In conclusion, the study of KIR genes and HLA ligands may contribute to the genetic susceptibility of chronic hepatitis B, and help in assessing chronic hepatitis B risk and diognosis.