Evaluation of Double Negative (CD4-/CD8-) Alpha Beta T Cells in Pediatric Systemic Lupus Erythematosis

Abstract

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease characterized by the presence of autoantibodies and immune complex deposition. SLE often affects multiple organs in the body. In peripheral blood, αβ DN T cells represent a minor population which normally constitutes <2% of peripheral blood T cells. However, its expansion in peripheral blood of ALPS patients is a consistent feature of this disease, considered as part of the diagnostic criteria of ALPS. αβDN T cells are also increased with other autoimmune diseases including juvenile idiopathic arthritis, Behcet disease, aplastic anemia, and immune thrombocytopenic purpura, suggesting that αβ DNTs may perhaps be more common among immune disorders. The aim of the current study was the assessment of αβ DN Tcell percentages in JSLEand its correlation with disease activity and different organ involvement. This longitudinal case control study involved 21 SLE patients (12 of whom were newly diagnosed cases at time of enrollment), following up in the Allergy&Immunology Unit, Children’s hospital, Ain shams University, who were chosen after consideration of inclusion and exclusion criteria. They were evaluated at enrollment and followed up and re-evaluated after remission (complete or partial) with loss of one patient during the study.Twenty, age and gender matched healthy children were enrolled as a control group..