Objective: :

There are limited studies about NK cells that may have an immunoregulatory role in Behçet’s Disease. NK cell receptor, perforin and granzyme mRNA expressions were analyzed in both active and inactive BD patients.

Materials and Methods: :

NKp30, NKp46, NKG2D, perforin and granzyme mRNA expression were analyzed in 42 patients with Behçet’s disease and 14 controls by RT-PCR. CD3⁺ T, and NK cell subsets were analyzed by flow cytometry.

Results: :

NKp30, NKp46, NKG2D, perforin and granzyme expression levels between patients and healthy subjects did not show any significant differences. However, a positive correlation was detected between CD3^-CD16⁺CD56dim NK cell frequencies and NKG2D and NKp46 mRNA levels in active BD patients and between CD3⁺ T cell frequencies and NKp46 mRNA levels in inactive Behçet’s patients.

Conclusion: :

Although, a significant difference does not exist between NKp30, NKp46, NKG2D, perforin and granzyme mRNA expressions, further functional studies are necessary to rule out the potential role of these molecules in the pathogenesis of Behçet’s Disease.

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