Functions of NK and iNKT cells in pediatric and adult CVID, ataxia telangiectasia and agammaglobulinemia patients

Primary immune deficiencies (PID) are known to be more than 400 genetic defects caused by the impairment in development and/or functions of the immune system. Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID), Ataxia Telangiectasia (AT) and Agammaglobulinemia (AG) are examples of the most common immunodeficiency syndrome. Natural killer (NK) cells are a component of innate immune system and play a major role in the host-rejection of both tumors and virally infected cells. iNKT cells have a role in autoimmune and infectious diseases and controlling of tumor rejection. In this study, NK and iNKT cells and their functions, and intracellular cytokine amount are aimed to determine in patients that suffer CVID, AT and AG. NKp30, NKp46, NKG2D, perforin and granzyme mRNA expression levels were analyzed using RT-PCR. Receptors, cytokine amount of NK cell subset and iNKT were analyzed by flow cytometry. Decreased CD3⁺ T and elevated NK cell subset in pediatric AT were found. Expression of NKp44 was decreased in adult AG, but not in pediatric patients. Low NKp44 expression in CD3^-CD16⁺CD56^dim NK cell subset was found in pediatric AT patients. High HLA-DR, perforin and granzyme expression were found in CD3^-CD16⁺CD56^dim NK cell subset of pediatric CVID and AT patients. Alteration of the number of NK subsets, NK receptor expression and cytokine production were observed in pediatric patients compared to healthy subjects.