Abstract
Decreased natural killer (NK) cells have been reported in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. However, the role of NK cells in the pathogenesis of SLE is not well understood. In this study, we aimed to characterize NK cell subsets, phenotypes, and cytokine-secreting functions and investigate the clinical relevance of NK cells in SLE patients. Peripheral blood samples from 81 SLE patients and 59 healthy donors (HDs) were collected. The frequency and phenotype of NK cells were measured by flow cytometry. Intracellular interferon-γ (IFN-γ) production by NK cells was evaluated by flow cytometry after stimulation with interleukin-12 (IL-12) and IL-18. The percentages of NK cells in the peripheral blood of SLE patients were significantly lower than those in HDs, and the percentages of CD56dim NK cells among total NK cells showed a trend toward decrease. The CD56dim NK cells in SLE patients showed increased production of IFN-γ and displayed relatively activated phenotypic characteristics, including significant increases in NKp44, NKp46, and CD69 and decreased expression of CD16 and CD158a/h/g. Furthermore, CD56dim NK cells in active SLE patients had higher percentages of NKp44+ cells and lower percentages of CD158a/h/g+ cells than those in inactive SLE patients. The percentages of CD158a/h/g+ cells among CD56dim NK cells were negatively correlated with the systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index (SLEDAI) and positively correlated with C3 and C4 levels. CD56dim NK cells in SLE patients show a reduced proportion tendency among total NK cells and are activated, which partially reflects the disease activity. CD158a/h/g expression on CD56dim NK cells may be considered an index of disease activity. Key Points • In patients with SLE, the proportion of CD56dim NK cells showed a decreased trend and CD56dim NK cells were phenotypically activated which partially reflects the disease activity. • CD158a/h/g expression on CD56dim NK cells were decreased which may be used as an indicator for evaluating disease activity in SLE patients.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
