Increased IFN-γ+ and TNF-α+ mucosal-associated invariant T cells in patients with aplastic anemia

Background Aplastic anemia (AA) is known as an autoimmune disease in which T cell activation is aberrant. It has been reported that unconventional T cells, mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells, play an important role in several autoimmune diseases, but it is unclear if they are involved in AA. Methods In this study, we for the first time analyzed the proportions, phenotypes, and cytokine properties of MAIT cells in AA by flow cytometry. Results We found that the percentage of circulating MAIT cells was generally higher for CD3 + , CD8 + , and CD8 − T cells in AA patients compared with healthy individuals. Moreover, the percentage of IL-18Rα-, NKG2D-, IFN-γ-, and TNF-α- positive MAIT cells was also significantly higher in AA patients. In addition, the percentage of IFN-γ + CD3 + or TNF-α + CD8 − MAIT cells had a significant negative correlation with the absolute neutrophil count. Conclusions We present the first observation of MAIT cells in patients with AA. MAIT cells are associated with a higher frequency of IFN-γ and TNF-α production and may contribute to the pathogenesis of AA.