Natural killer cells dominate a Th-1 polarised response in Behcet's disease patients with uveitis

Abstract

Objective. Behcet's disease (BD) is a systemic inflammatory disorder of unknown aetiology, characterised by recurring relapses and remissions. BD manifetations have been thought to be associated with the immunological abnormalities triggered by environmental factors in genetically susceptible individuals. Natural killer (NK) cells are important members of innate immunity with their cytotoxic activity and also cytokine secretions. They have the capacity to induce or dampen immune responses. Different study groups have reported conflicting results about NK cell activity in the BD pathogenesis, however, contribution of NK cells to BD is still unclear.