Natural Killer Group 2 Type D (NKG2D) Gene Polymorphism in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus-Suez Canal Region - Egypt

Abstract

Background: Natural killer group 2 type D (NKG2D), an activating receptor expressed on Natural Killer (NK), is a type II transmembrane glycoprotein. Normally, the function of NK cells is the eradication of infected or distorted cells and prevention of autoimmunity. The abnormal expression of NKG2D ligands has been found to increase the susceptibility to different autoimmune disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and autoimmune diabetes mellitus. Aim: to assess the association of NKG2D polymorphism in Egyptian SLE patients dwelling Suez Canal region and its potential clinical correlation. Patients and Methods: NKG2D polymorphism was assessed by using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in 50 SLE patients and 50 healthy controls and the results were analyzed using allelic discrimination software. Clinical and laboratory manifestations and disease activity using SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) were also assessed. Results: Our results showed that the frequency of the NKG2D single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) (rs2255336 G→ A) was not significantly higher in cases of SLE compared to healthy control (p=0.13). NKG2D polymorphism in SLE patients showed a statistical difference between GG genotype versus GA & AA genotypes regarding inflammatory rash, lupus headache and hair loss. Conclusion: NKG2D single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) seems to play no role in the susceptibility to SLE in Egyptian population of Suez Canal area.