非节段型白癜风（NSV）患者存在系统性CD8+细胞毒性T淋巴细胞（CTLs）异常活化，产生大量IFN-γ引起皮肤黑素细胞凋亡和功能破坏，其分子机制尚不清楚。长链非编码RNA (lncRNA)参与调控机体的免疫反应，但其在NSV CD8+CTLs异常活化中的作用不明。本研究基于前期基因表达微阵列芯片技术和基因功能注解数据库，筛选出与NSV进展期CD8+ CTLs活化相关的lnc RNA NeST，拟扩大样本研究NeST在NSV患者与正常对照者外周血和皮疹来源CD8+T细胞中的表达差异，及其与IFN-γ的相关性。构建NeST过表达细胞模型，进一步研究NeST对CD8+CTLs 活化的调节作用及对IFN-γ信号通路的调控机制，以期为NSV的免疫学防治提供新的靶点。

Global activation of CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), which release increased level of IFN-γ leading to apoptosis and destruction of melanocytes, plays a pivotal role in non-segmental vitiligo (NSV) patients. Yet, the mechanisms underlying the activation of CD8+ CTLs in NSV patients are unknown. Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) plays a critical role in immune response. However, its role in the development of NSV is still undefined. Our research is based on the previous result from gene microarray expression chips and analysis of Gene Anotation Database, in which lncRNA NeST was validated to be involved in the activation of CD8+ CTLs. In this program, we will explore the differential expression of NeST in CD8+ T cells from peripheral blood or skin in a larger sample of NSV patients and normal controls, and delineate the correlation between the expression of NeST and the level of IFN-γ. Further, we will establish two overexpressing-NeST cell models, by which to explore the role of lncRNA NeST in regulating production of IFN-γ during the activation of CD8+ CTLs and discuss the underlying mechanism. This study will be expected to provide a novel targets for clinical prevention and treatment of NSV.