European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

EXPRESSION OF NATURAL KILLER ACTIVATING RECEPTOR (NKP46) IN NON-SEGMENTAL VITILIGO

*Nevine A. Dorgham MD, Naglaa NR. El-Mongy MD, Mostafa M. Mostafa MD, Yasmine SA. Abd El-kader

ABSTRACT

Introduction: NKp46 is unique amongst the natural cytotoxicity receptors (NCRs) and is considered the most specific NK cell marker. NKp46 is clearly important for anti-viral immunity, malignancy and autoimmune diseases. Aim of work: The aim of this study was to assess the level of NKp46 (lesional and peri-lesional) in vitiligo patients to assess its possible role in the pathogenesis of vitiligo. Patients & methods: The present case-control study included 20 vitiligo patients and 20 healthy age and sex matched controls. Skin biopsies were taken from all participants to examine the levels of NKp46. Results: The results showed that NKp46 levels were significantly higher in patients (lesional and peri-lesional) than in controls. lesional NKP46 levels were also significantly higher than its peri-lesional levels. Higher lesional (but not the peri-lesional) NKp46 levels were found in patients with positive family history. No significant correlations were detected between NKp46 and age, sex, extent and duration of disease. Conclusion: The present study suggests a possible role for NKp46 receptors in the pathogenesis of vitiligo.

Keywords: Vitiligo, Natural Killer Cells, NKp46.