[Variation in NK cell number and function in individuals with recurrent or severe infections]

The information about defects affecting natural killer cell (NK) development and activity in patients with an abnormal increase of recurrent infections is scarce.

To perform a systematic analysis of NK abnormalities in patients with recurrent infections.

Our study enrolled twenty patients with severe or recurrent viral infections. Natural killer cell subsets, surface receptors expression and cytotoxicity were analyzed. Results were compared with those from age- and sex-matched healthy controls.

Transient alterations were observed in the percentages and absolute numbers of NK cells in patients with infection active episodes. We also described five patients with stable disturbances in the distribution of NK cell subpopulations. These defects are mainly due to a decrease in the CD56 dim CD16 bright cells in peripheral blood. In addition, NK cell function abnormalities were observed in some patients, however, those were always transient and mainly associated to active disease.

These findings demonstrate transient alterations in the percentages and absolute numbers of NK cells in patients with recurrent or severe infection. Also, stable disturbances in CD56 dim CD16 bright NK cells are observed in these patients. Nevertheless, these parameters must be thoroughly studied to determine the mechanisms that entail these immune abnormalities and investigate how they alter the immune response.