CD39 and SLE
SLE patients exhibit increased levels of ATP which binds to P2XR
resulting in activation of the inflammasome and consequent release of
cytokines associated with disease pathogenesis[163]. CD39 expression in lymphocytes was
increased in SLE patients, suggesting a compensatory mechanism to help
control inflammation [164]. However, Loza et al.
showed decreased CD39 expression in Tregs from SLE patients,
demonstrating a defect restricted to this subset of cells[165].