KIR genotype distribution among patients with hepatitis C virus: Higher prevalence of KIR 2DL3 and KIR 2DS4 and a possible role of the B haplotype? Results of a pilot prevalence study from the Mediterranean area

•KIR genotyping has been implicated in a variety of clinical and immunological disorders.•This study is the first international research paper that describes the prevalence of KIR genes among hepatitis C virus patients.•Results were compared to a large healthy control population sample.

IntroductionHepatitis C virus (HCV) is a common chronic infection worldwide affecting approximately 170 million people. 80% of acutely infected people fail to eliminate the virus and develop into the chronic phase. Some studies propose that activating KIRs have an important role in the clearance of some viruses including HCV and HIV, however, they might increase the risk of acquiring autoimmune diseases.AimThe aim of this study is to investigate any possible association between HCV and some KIR genotypes.MethodsKIR genotype was analyzed for 47 HCV patients and 120 healthy Lebanese individuals using the KIR Genotyping SSP kit.ResultsAmong HCV patients, the AA, AB, and BB genotypes frequencies were, respectively, 34.05%, 42.55% and 23.40% with an A:B ratio of 1.24:1. As for the controls, the AA, AB, and BB genotypes frequencies were, respectively, 39.17%, 50%, and 10.83% with an A:B ratio of 1.79:1. KIR 2DL3 and KIR 2DS4*001/002 were found to be significantly more prevalent among HCV patients as compared to controls in addition to an increase in the B haplotype.ConclusionIn this first pilot prevalence study in the Mediterranean area studying KIR genotyping in HCV patients, the interesting results warrant further clinical and translational research to assess the protective or predisposing role of KIR genotypes in HCV.