Ad-NK4 Modulates B Cell Function in Lupus Nephritis

YE Minyuan; LIN Kaiping; QUE Wenzhong; LIN Shaopeng

doi:10.14033/j.cnki.cfmr.2026.04.001

Abstract：Objective:To investigate the effects and mechanisms of recombinant adenovirus-mediated NK4(Ad-NK4)on B cell function in patients with lupus nephritis(LN).Method:Twenty patients(LN group)and twenty healthy individuals(control group)admitted to the sample hospital between October 2023 and May 2025 were selected as study subjects.Peripheral blood parameters[anti-double-stranded DNA antibody,immunoglobulin G(IgG),complement C3/C4,erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR),C-reactive protein(CRP)]and B-cell function assays were measured between the two groups.Interventions including Ad-NK4 were administered,and data from each group were evaluated.Result:At baseline,the LN group exhibited significantly higher levels of anti-double-stranded DNA antibodies,IgG,CRP,and ESR compared to the control group,the complement C3/C4 levels of LN group were lower than those in the control group,with statistically significant differences(P<0.05).After Ad-NK4 intervention,B lymphocyte activating factor(BAFF)and IgG levels in Ad-NK4 group supernatants were significantly lower than in the PBS and Ad-NC groups,with markedly reduced cell proliferation capacity,both differences being statistically significant(P<0.01).Conclusion:Ad-NK4 significantly down-regulated B cell function in LN patients by inducing B cell apoptosis(reversing apoptosis resistance)and inhibiting BAFF secretion and antibody production,providing an experimental basis for targeted therapy.