Fc-gamma receptor expression profile in a North-Indian cohort of pediatric-onset systemic lupus erythematosus: An observational study.

BACKGROUND: Polymorphisms in the Fcγ-receptor (FcγR) have been associated with increased susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). There is a paucity of data on FcγR expression pattern in pediatric subjects with SLE. The aim of the study was to assess the expression of various FcγRs by flow cytometry in children with pediatric-onset SLE (pSLE).

METHODS: Thirty-one children aged 0-15 years fulfilling 2012 Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics Classification Criteria for SLE were enrolled. Disease-active (n = 14) and the inactive group were delineated using the SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI). Thirteen age- and sex-matched controls were also enrolled. Blood samples of cases and controls were assessed for CD64, CD32B and CD16 expression on B lymphocytes, neutrophils and monocytes by flow cytometry using standard techniques. Median fluorescence intensity (MFI) and percentage expression were calculated using the FACS DIVA software and Kaluza software.

RESULTS: Median fluorescence intensity and percentage expression of CD64 on monocytes (MFI: 1.71 vs 1.51, P = 0.86) and neutrophils (MFI: 0.42 vs 0.64, P = 0.3) were comparable between patients and controls. MFIs of CD16 expression on neutrophils (3.47 vs 11.4, P = 0.05) and monocytes (1.28 vs 3.45, P = 0.07) were lower in patients compared to controls. CD32B expression on lymphocytes (MFI: 0.56 vs 1.37; % expression:18.3% vs 12.32%) was also comparable between cases and controls. Expression of CD64, CD16, and CD32B were also comparable between patients with active and inactive disease.

CONCLUSION: No significant differences were observed in FcγR expression between patients and controls. However, the overall trends of FcγR expression and decreased CD16 on monocytes and neutrophils are in consonance with data from larger cohorts of adult SLE patients.