Vγ6+γδT Cells Participate in Lupus Nephritis in MRL/Lpr Mice

Background gamma delta T cells have been implicated in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. The study aims to investigate the abundance of gamma delta T cells in MRL/lpr mice.MethodsMRL/lpr mice were used as lupus models, while C3H/HeJ mice served as normal controls. The abundance of gamma delta T cells in different organs was examined by flow cytometry. Plasma double-stranded DNA antibody levels, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and urinary protein levels were measured. Renal histopathology was observed via H&E staining. The correlations between the abundance of gamma delta T cells and lupus manifestations were analyzed.ResultsCompared with C3H/HeJ mice, the number of gamma delta T cells and V gamma 6+gamma delta T cell subset in the peripheral blood of MRL/lpr mice was significantly reduced. However, in the kidney, the number of gamma delta T cells and V gamma 6+gamma delta T cell subset was significantly increased. Additionally, the number of V gamma 6+gamma delta T cells in the kidney was positively correlated with the urinary protein level. The number of IFN-gamma+V gamma 6+gamma delta T cells in the kidney was positively correlated with urinary protein level.ConclusionIn MRL/lpr mice, it is likely that peripheral gamma delta T cells, especially the V gamma 6 subset, infiltrate the kidney and secrete IFN-gamma, which contributes to the development of lupus nephritis.