Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Dermatology and Venerology

Background: MycosisFungoides is a type of cutaneous T cell lymphoma. It is generally associated with an indolent course. NKp46 belongs to natural cytotoxicity receptors (NCRs), which induce natural killer (NK)-cell activation. Otherresearchesfound increase in Nkp46 expression in Sezary and transformed Mycosis Fungoides (MF). Aim of the work: The aim of this study is to assessthe level of NKp46 (which is considered the most specific activating receptor in Natural killer cells)in skin biopsiesof MF patients in comparison with control subjects to assess their possible role in disease progression detection. Patients and Methodology:This study included 20 MF patients and 20 age and sex matched healthy individuals serving as control subjects. skin biopsies were taken from all participants for evaluation of NKp46 levels. Results:The present study demonstrated a statisticallynon significant decreasein NKp46 in the skinof MF patients compared to control subjects(P value 0.086).Significant increase in Nkp46 in diseased male more than diseased female. (P value 0.015).There was statistically no significant difference in NKp46 in MF patients of different skin types (p value 0.285). Conclusion: The present study suggests that Nkp46 can be potentially useful as a marker of MFprogression and predict its change into more aggressive stage

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