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[KIR-NKAT2 expression and monocytoid dendritic cells transformation in children diagnosed for immune deficiency: a
Jan Styczyński1, Sylwia Kołtan, Robert Debski
1Katedra i Klinika Pediatrii, Hematologii i Onkologii, Collegium Medicum im. Ludwika Rydygiera w Bydgoszczy, Uniwersytet im. Mikołaja Kopernika, ul. Curie-Skłodowskiej 9, 85-094 Bydgoszcz. jstyczynski@cm.umk.pl
Background:
KIR-NKAT2 receptor, present on NK (natural killer) cells, is responsible for recognition of human leukocyte antigen C (HLA-C) on cells infected with different types of viruses. Its presence might contribute to disabling in elimination of infected cells and causing chronic infection. Another unknown parameter related to functionality of the immune system might be monocyte ability to form dendritic cells.
Objectives:
To answer the question if impaired expression of KIR-NKAT2 or diminished ability to monocytoid dendritic cell formation is a cause of recurrent infections in children with no evident immunodeficiences or after splenectomy?
Patients And Methods:
A study was performed in 38 children diagnosed for immune deficiencies due to recurrent infections, splenectomy, humoral or cellular deficiencies. Mononuclear cells were isolated from peripheral blood. Monocytes and NK cells were isolated by SuperMACS device. An expression of KIR-NKAT2 on NK cells was determined by flow cytometry. Isolated monocytes were cultured for 7-14 days on enriched Methocult medium in order to stimulate monocytoid dendritic cell transformation. CD83 and CD206 expression was assayed before culture and after 7-14 days by flow cytometry.
Results:
The KIR-NKAT2 expression was present in 31/38 patients. Monocytes of 37/38 patients has begun transformation into dendritic cells after 7 days of culture, although a large variability of expression was observed. In splenectomized patients a trend towards higher KIR-NKAT2 expression and lower transformation of dendritic cells was revealed. No other subgroup of patients with significantly altered expression of analyzed receptors was detected.
Conclusions:
Immunological defects, related to incorrect function of NK cells caused by disturbed expression of KIR-NKAT2 receptors, or impairment monocyte ability for transformation to dendritic cells, seems to be irresponsible for susceptibility for infections. Splenectomy might be an important risk factor disturbing mechanisms of immunologic function, also with respect to analyzed parameters, however this aspect requires further studies.
