Natural killer cell numbers and function in peripheral lymphoid cells in Behcet's disease

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Rheumatology

Background:

• Behcet's disease is a multisystem inflammatory disorder.
• Natural killer (NK) cells play a crucial role in innate immunity and immune surveillance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate NK cell activity and numbers in patients with Behcet's disease.
• To explore the potential role of NK cells in the pathogenesis of active Behcet's disease.

Main Methods:

• Peripheral blood samples were collected from patients with active and inactive Behcet's disease, and from healthy controls.
• NK cell activity was measured.
• NK cell numbers were quantified.
• The effect of alpha-interferon (INF-alpha) on NK cell activity was assessed.

Main Results:

• NK cell activity was significantly lower in patients with active Behcet's disease compared to inactive disease and controls.
• The number of NK cells was markedly increased in patients with active disease.
• INF-alpha significantly augmented NK cell activity in these patients.

Conclusions:

• Patients with active Behcet's disease exhibit reduced NK cell activity despite increased NK cell numbers.
• These findings suggest a potential deficiency in NK cell-activating factors in active Behcet's disease.
• Further research into NK cell dysfunction may offer therapeutic insights for Behcet's disease.