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

ABSTRACT Background γδT cells have been implicated in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. The study aims to investigate the abundance of γδT cells in MRL/ lpr mice. Methods MRL/ lpr mice were used as lupus models, while C3H/HeJ mice served as normal controls. The abundance of γδT 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 γδT cells and lupus manifestations were analyzed. Results Compared with C3H/HeJ mice, the number of γδT cells and Vγ6 + γδT cell subset in the peripheral blood of MRL/ lpr mice was significantly reduced. However, in the kidney, the number of γδT cells and Vγ6 + γδT cell subset was significantly increased. Additionally, the number of Vγ6 + γδT cells in the kidney was positively correlated with the urinary protein level. The number of IFN‐γ + Vγ6 + γδT cells in the kidney was positively correlated with urinary protein level. Conclusion In MRL/ lpr mice, it is likely that peripheral γδT cells, especially the Vγ6 subset, infiltrate the kidney and secrete IFN‐γ, which contributes to the development of lupus nephritis.