Expression of the leukocyte-associated Ig-like receptor-1 on B lymphocytes from systemic lupus erythematosus patients

Background The leukocyte-associated immunoglobulin (Ig)-like receptor-1 (LAIR-1) is a transmembrane molecule belonging to the Ig superfamily. In B cells, LAIR-1 cross-linking leads to downregulation of Ig and cytokine production. Aim of the work The aim of the present study was to assess the expression of LAIR-1 on peripheral blood B lymphocyte from systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients, and its correlation with disease manifestations. Patients and methods Twenty-two SLE female patients and 16 matched healthy controls were included in the study. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) score was assessed. The expression of LAIR-1 was determined by using flow cytometry. Results The 22 SLE patients had a mean age of 25.59±4.22 years and disease duration of 5–24 months. The mean SLEDAI was 8±1.5. The percentage of CD19+ B lymphocytes lacking LAIR-1 was markedly increased in SLE patients (27.8 ±10.9%) compared with healthy controls (16.2±4.4%) (P