Elevated levels of CD56+ T Cells, CD16+ CD56+ T Cells, and CD56dim NK Cells in herpes simplex virus type 1 seropositive healthy individuals.

Objectives: To investigate the numbers of natural killer (NK) cells, CD56+ T-cells and CD56- T cells, and the levels ofCD16 in healthy individuals seropositive for herpes simplex virus Type 1 (HSV-1). Specifically, it seeks to measure the levels of these cells to learn about the possible immunological significance during HSV-1 seropositive status.

Methods: This study employed a cross-sectional research design to examine the levels of CD56+ T-cells and CD16+ among individuals seropositive for herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) in Taif city. A total of 112 participants were enrolled, with HSV-1 serostatus determined via ELISA, and cellular evaluation conducted using flow cytometry. The study was performed between January 2023 to July 2023.

Results: Our study found 36% HSV-1 seropositivity, contrasting with higher rates in Saudi Arabia. No significant age or gender differences were observed. HSV-1 seropositive individuals showed elevated dim CD56 NK cells and CD56+ T-cells, aligning with prior research on lymphocyte infiltration during HSV-1 activation. Further investigation is warranted for CD56- T-cells and bright NK cells.

Conclusion: HSV-1 seropositive individuals showed elevated dim CD56 NK cells and CD56+ T-cells, consistent with lymphocyte activities during viral activation. CD16 expression on CD56+ T-cells suggests their involvement in viral defence, emphasizing the need for further investigation into immune responses against HSV-1.