Scleroderma Symptoms Causes

Causes of Scleroderma: Natural Killer Cells

Natural killer cells are cells in the immune system that destroy cancer cells and virus-infected cells.

Activating and inhibitory receptors on natural killer cells in patients with systemic lupus erythematosis (SLE)–regulation with interleukin-15. Natural killer (NK) cells may play an important role in the pathogenesis of SLE. PubMed, PLoS One, 2017 Oct 12;12(10):e0186223. (Also see Causes of Lupus)

Analysis of the CD161–expressing cell quantities and CD161 expression levels in peripheral blood natural killer (NK) and T cells of systemic lupus erythematosus patients. Our results indicated that CD161–expressing cell frequency and the CD161 expression levels were reduced in some NK and T cell subpopulations of SLE patients, suggesting possible important role of CD161 and CD161–expressing immune cells in the SLE pathogenesis. PubMed, Clin Exp Med, 2017 Feb;17(1):101-109. (Also see B Cells and T Cells)

Impaired NK–mediated regulation of T-cell activity in multiple sclerosis is reconstituted by IL-2 receptor modulation. Therapeutic immune modulation of IL-2 receptor restores impaired immune regulation in MS by increasing the proportion of CD155-expressing CD4(+) T cells and the cytolytic activity of NK cells. PubMed, Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, 2016 May 24;113(21):E2973-82. (Also see B Cells and T Cells and Multiple Sclerosis)

CD57 in human natural killer cells and T-lymphocytes. Functional modulation of senescent CD57(pos) T-cells and mature CD57(pos) NK cells may therefore represent innovative strategies for protection against human immunological aging and/or various chronic diseases. PubMed, Cancer Immunol Immunother, 2016 Apr;65(4):441-52. (Also see Antibodies)

A Cytomegalovirus Peptide–Specific Antibody Alters Natural Killer Cell Homeostasis and Is Shared in Several Autoimmune Diseases. Our findings reveal that a shared hCMV-induced autoantibody is involved in the decrease of CD56(bright) NK cells and may thus contribute to the onset of autoimmune disorders. PubMed, Cell Host Microbe, 2016 Mar 9;19(3):400-8. (Also see Causes of Autoimmunity)

The investigation of killer cell immunoglobulin–like receptor (KIR) genotyping in patients with systemic lupus erytematosus (SLE) and systemic sclerosis (SSc). The variations of some KIR genes may have a role in the pathogenesis of SLE and SSc and may cause major organ involvement in SLE. PubMed, Clin Rheumatol, 03/09/2016.

Roles of natural killer cells in antiviral immunity. Here we focus on the contributions of NK cells to disease in diverse virus infections germane to human health. PubMed, Curr Opin Virol, 2016 Feb;16:15-23.

TOLL FREE HOTLINE, U.S. and Canada: 1-800-564-7099
Ask for our Free Info Packet by email or postal mail!

SCLERO.ORG is the world's leading nonprofit for trustworthy research, support, education and awareness for scleroderma and related illnesses.

We are a service of the nonprofit International Scleroderma Network (ISN), which is a 501(c)(3) U.S.-based public charitable foundation, established in 2002. Meet Our Team, or Volunteer. Donations may also be mailed to:

The most important thing in the world to know about scleroderma is sclero.org!