Evidence for a superantigen mediated process in Kawasaki disease. Issue 4 (April 1995)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Curtis, N; Zheng, R; Lamb, J R; Levin, M
• Is Part Of: Archives of disease in childhood. Volume 72:Issue 4(1995)
• Page Start: 308
• Page End: 311
• Publication Date: 1995-04
• Subjects: Children -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Infants -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 618.920005
• DOI: 10.1136/adc.72.4.308
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-9888

Abstract

Abstract : The clinical, pathological, and immunological similarities between Kawasaki disease and the staphylococcal and streptococcal toxic shock syndromes suggest that a superantigen toxin may be involved in the pathogenesis of the disease. The V beta repertoire of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 21 children with Kawasaki disease, 28 children with other illnesses, and 22 healthy controls were examined using monoclonal antibodies to V beta 2, 5, 8, 12, and 19. The mean percentage of V beta 2 expressing T cells in the patients with Kawasaki disease was increased when compared with healthy controls or children with other illnesses. The mean percentages of V beta 5, 8, 12, and 19 expressing T cells were also increased in the patients with Kawasaki disease compared with healthy controls, but were not increased when compared with children with other illnesses. The selective use of V beta 2 supports the hypothesis that a superantigen is involved in the pathogenesis of Kawasaki disease.