Downregulation of CD94/NKG2A inhibitory receptor on decreased γδ T cells in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

Scand J Immunol. 2012 Jul;76(1):62-9. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-3083.2012.02705.x.

Abstract

γδ T cells are characterized by recognizing conserved endogenous and stress-induced antigens without antigen presentation. It has been show that γδ T cells play an important role in anti-tumour/microbe responses, but their function in autoimmune diseases is yet not clear. Here, we reported the quantity and phenotype of peripheral blood γδ T cells from systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Both the percentages of γδ T cells in peripheral blood and among CD3(+) T cells of patients with SLE were significantly decreased, regardless of disease activity. However, activating marker CD69 and HLA-DR was upregulated, while inhibiting receptor CD94/NKG2A was downregulated in γδ T cells of patients with SLE. The expression of CD69 is negatively correlated with the quantity of γδ T cells. Moreover, the expression of CD94/NKG2A remained low even with antigen stimulation on those γδ T cells. Our results suggested that the low expression level of CD94/NKG2A upon γδ T cell activation might lead to the over-activation of γδ T cells in patients with SLE. These findings will be useful in elucidating the roles of γδ T cells in SLE pathogenesis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Antigens, CD / genetics
  • Antigens, CD / immunology*
  • Antigens, CD / metabolism
  • Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte / genetics
  • Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte / immunology*
  • Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte / metabolism
  • Down-Regulation
  • Female
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Humans
  • Lectins, C-Type / genetics
  • Lectins, C-Type / immunology*
  • Lectins, C-Type / metabolism
  • Leukocytes, Mononuclear / immunology
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / genetics
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / immunology*
  • Lymphocyte Activation
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily C / genetics
  • NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily C / immunology*
  • NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily C / metabolism
  • Phenotype
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta / deficiency
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta / immunology*
  • Statistics, Nonparametric
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Antigens, CD
  • Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte
  • CD69 antigen
  • Lectins, C-Type
  • NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily C
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta