Evaluation of NKP46 gene expression in celiac disease patients on a gluten free diet

According to the previous studies, natural cytotoxicity receptors including NKP46 can play an important role in strengthening and sustaining immune responses against viral infection, which may have a role in the progression of inflammation in celiac disease. Moreover, Interleukin-15, which is one of the most important inflammatory cytokines in celiac disease pathogenesis, can also change the expression of this type of receptors that leads to atrophy of intestinal villi. The aim of this study was to evaluate the intestinal expression of NKP46 gene in patients with celiac disease on a gluten-free diet in comparison with healthy individuals. In this study, 20 small intestinal biopsy samples were collected from patients with celiac disease and 20 samples from healthy subjects. After RNA extraction and cDNA synthesis, gene-specific primer pairs were designed, PCR conducted and NKP46 gene expression was evaluated by real-time PCR method. 8 females (40%) and 12 males (60%) in the patient group and 7 females (35%) and 13 males (65%) in the control group were studied. NKP46 gene expression was not significantly different between celiac patients who were on a gluten-free diet and healthy individuals (Pvalue: 0.4). The lack of significant difference in the expression of this receptor between the patient and control groups can be due to the effects of gluten-free diet adherence. Additional studies are recommended to achieve a more complete expression profile of these receptors and possible mutations affecting their expression in treated and untreated celiac disease patients.