Spectrum of Clinical Manifestations of SLE Patients from India and Its Correlation with KIR Gene Polymorphism

This study investigated the clinical manifestations of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) in 250 Indian patients and examined the role of Killer Immunoglobulin-like Receptor (KIR) gene polymorphisms. Arthritis and alopecia were common symptoms, affecting 63.6% and 51% of patients, respectively. The study found that inhibitory KIR genes (2DL1, 2DL5, 3DL2) were significantly reduced in SLE patients compared to controls, while the inhibitory gene 2DL2 was significantly increased. The activating gene 2DS3 was significantly reduced in patients. Specific KIR genes were linked to protective roles against certain SLE symptoms: iKIR 3DL2 with alopecia, iKIR 3DL3 with mucosal ulcers, iKIR 2DL5 with lupus nephritis, and aKIR 2DS1 with malar rash. The findings suggested that the reduced frequency of these inhibitory genes might contribute to the autoimmune response in SLE and highlighted the genetic diversity in KIR gene content and its potential impact on SLE clinical outcomes.