NKG2C Deletion Is a Risk Factor for Human Cytomegalovirus Viremia and Disease After Lung Transplantation

J Infect Dis. 2018 Feb 14;217(5):802-806. doi: 10.1093/infdis/jix608.

Abstract

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) replication is limited by HCMV-specific natural killer (NK) cell response. Distinct genetic polymorphisms, which are potentially involved in antiviral NK cell response, have been described. Here, the association between polymorphisms at IgG1 genetic marker 3/17, FcγRIIIα/CD16a 158V/F, NKG2Cwt/del, CD226/rs727088, and rs763361, respectively, and HCMV viremia and disease were investigated in 98 lung transplant recipients (LTRs), within 9 months after stop of posttransplant HCMV prophylaxis. From all variants, only the NKG2Cwt/wt genotype was significantly associated with freedom from HCMV viremia (P = .0002) and disease (P = .02), compared with the NKG2Cwt/del genotype. Thus, LTRs expressing the homozygous NKG2C wild type seem to have a selective advantage in HCMV defense.

Keywords: NK cells; NKG2C; genetic variants; human cytomegalovirus; lung transplantation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Cytomegalovirus Infections / genetics*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease*
  • Humans
  • Lung Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily C / deficiency*
  • Risk Factors
  • Sequence Deletion
  • Viremia / genetics*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • KLRC2 protein, human
  • NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily C