Figure 6
From: miR-146a negatively regulates NK cell functions via STAT1 signaling
miR-146a expression in NK cells from HCC or CHB patients can be reversed by cytokine-based therapy in vitro. Primary NK cells isolated from CHB and HCC patients were treated with IL-12 (20 ng/ml), IFN-α (1,000 IU/ml) or IFN-β (1,000 IU/ml) for 12 h. (a) Changes in miR-146a expression levels were detected by qPCR; CHB (n=5) and HCC (n=5). (b) CD107a expression was detected by flow cytometry; CHB (n=9) and HCC (n=7). Statistical significance was determined as *P<0.05 and **P<0.01 compared with the control. CHB, chronic hepatitis B; HCC, hepatic carcinoma; IL, interleukin; INF, interferon; miR, microRNA; NK, natural killer; qPCR, quantitative PCR.
