Twenty-five types of T-cell receptor Vβ family repertoire in patients with Kawasaki syndrome

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Abstract
Recently, a possible relationship between Kawasaki syndrome (KS) and superantigen has been discussed since the report of selective expansion of specific Vβ family in the acute phase of KS. To further investigate the relationship between KS and superantigens, we examined 25 types of T-cell receptor Vβ family repertoire in patients with KS using the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. This is the first attempt to examine all of 25 Vβ families in KS. A non radioisotope method was used to quantify mRNA so that the experiment was safer, simpler, and faster. An expression index (EI) for each Vβ was defined as: (the amount of each Vβ mRNA)/(the sum of all Vβ mRNA) × 100. Ten patients with KS and ten normal children were studied. The Vβ9 and Vβ15 of acute phase of KS showed both significantly lower mean EI and significantly higher frequency of a decreased EI value as compared with control children. Selective expansion of the Vβ family in the patients with KS was not observed. Although highly increased EIs were observed in various Vβs, their frequency was not statistically significant. The pattern of increased Vβs did not show the specific pattern that indicates a particular superantigen. Conclusion In Kawasaki syndrome non-radioisotope method for analysing Vβ mRNA is useful in cases where many samples have to be handled. The depletion of Vβ9 and Vβ15 or highly increased expression index in the acute phase of Kawasaki syndrome might suggest a relationship to superantigens.

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