Dysfunction of CD3(-)CD16(+)CD56(dim) and CD3(-)CD16(-)CD56(bright) NK cell subsets in RR-MS patients

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS), is a chronic inflammatory disease of central nervous system with unclear etiology. Relapsing-remitting (RR)-MS is the most frequent subtype of disease. Natural Killer (NK) cells have roles in cytotoxicity and immune regulation by cytokine secretions, with uncertain contribution to MS pathogenesis. This study aimed to explore contribution of NK cells to MS pathogenesis. Percentages of CD3(-)CD16(+)CD56(+) total NK cells, CD3(-)CD16(+)CD56(dim) and CD3(-)CD16(-)CD56(bright) NK cell subsets, NK cytotoxicity and intracellular IFN-gamma, IL-10 and IL-22 levels were investigated in patients with RR-MS and clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) as well as healthy subjects. Decreased IFN-gamma and increased IL-22 production might have detrimental effects on the clinical course of RR-MS. Impaired cytotoxicity is correlated with disease duration in RR-MS. These findings support the possible contribution of NK cells to RR-MS immuno-pathogenesis. (C) 2018 Published by Elsevier Inc.