title: Natural killer cell receptor expression reflects the role of human cytomegalovirus in the pathogenesis of a subset of CD4+ T-cell large granular lymphocytosis.
abstract: A high frequency of CD4(+) T-cell large granular lymphocyte (T-LGL) lymphocytosis occurs in human leukocyte antigen (HLA) -DRB1*0701 individuals displaying monoclonal expansions of Vβ13.1+ CD4(+) T-cell clones, which specifically respond to human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) antigens. We previously reported the expression of natural killer (NK)-cell associated receptors (NKR) by HCMV-specific cytolytic CD4(+) T cells from healthy donors. In the present study a high expression of different NKR (i.e., NKG2D, killer Ig-like receptors (KIR), CD94, ILT2) was observed in CD4(+) T cells from both Vβ13.1- and Vβ13.1+ CD4(+) T-LGL cases. Remarkably, elevated numbers of CD94/NKG2C+ NK cells, previously shown to expand in association to HCMV infection, were preferentially found in Vβ13.1+ T-LGL, further supporting its role in the pathogenesis of a subset of CD4(+) T-LGL.
authors.affiliation: Molecular Immunopathology Unit, Universitat Pompeu Fabra (DCEXS), Barcelona, Spain.
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sáez-Borderías
authors.forename: Neus
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Romo
authors.forename: Francisco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Ruiz-Cabello
authors.forename: Julia
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Cantón
authors.forename: Dennis
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Tielemans
authors.forename: Anton W
authors.initials: AW
authors.lastname: Langerak
authors.forename: Miguel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: López-Botet
mesh_terms: D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D003587:Cytomegalovirus / Q000276:immunology*; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D006801:Humans; D008218:Lymphocytosis; D055611:Natural Killer T-Cells / Q000276:immunology*; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D055607:Receptors, Natural Killer Cell / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D055607:Receptors, Natural Killer Cell