Absence of activating killer immunoglobulin-like receptor genes combined with hepatitis C viral genotype is predictive of hepatocellular carcinoma

These results point to an important role for activating killer immunoglobulin-like receptors in the control of hepatitis C virus infection and progression to hepatocellular carcinoma. In clinical practice, assessment of killer immunoglobulin-like receptor and hepatitis C viral genotype combinations should allow for more accurate monitoring of patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection.