NKG2D/RAE1 interaction is involved in the cytotoxicity of NK cells against activated HSCs.

<p>(A, B) HSCs were isolated from <i>S. japonicum</i>-infected mice or uninfected mice. Expression of α-SMA (A) and various NKG2D ligands (B) on HSCs was detected by quantitative PCR. Values were normalized to β-actin in the same samples and expressed as fold change in comparison with the samples from uninfected controls (0 wk). Data were shown as mean ± SEM from three independent experiments. (C, D) NK cells isolated from <i>S. japonicum</i>-infected mice were used as effector cells. (C) HSCs isolated from normal mice (quiescent HSCs) or 8-week <i>S. japonicum</i>-infected mice (activated HSCs) were used as target cells. (D) HSCs isolated from 8-week <i>S. japonicum</i>-infected mice (activated HSCs) were used as target cells. A dose of 10 µg/mL anti-NKG2D (blocking) mAb was added in the coculture for the blockade. T/E, target-effector ratio.