Figure 2. Hepatic NK cell populations are reduced in HCV mice.

A. Intrahepatic MNCs were prepared, and the total number of intrahepatic MNCs was counted at 20 days post-hydrodynamic injection. One of three experiments is shown (n=5). B. and C. Hepatic MNCs were also immunostained with FITC-conjugated anti-NK1.1, PE-Cy™5-conjugated anti-CD3e, and PE-conjugated anti-CD69. The percentages of isolated NK cells, T cells and NKT cells were determined by FACS analysis. The results shown represent one of three independent experiments. The absolute numbers of CD3- NK1.1+ cells were calculated by multiplying their respective percentages with the total liver MNC amount (B). A representative FACS analysis of the dynamic expression of CD69 on hepatic NK cells (CD3-NK1.1+, n=4). The results presented represent one of three independent experiments (C).