ISSN:
1365-2133
Source:
Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
A strong association between acute guttate psoriasis and group A, β-haemolytic streptococcal infections is well established. Furthermore, streptococcal M proteins and toxins have been shown to act as superantigens, stimulating subpopulations of T lymphocytes expressing particular Vβ families.We have therefore studied the possible role of streptococcal superantigens in psoriasis by staining peripheral T lymphocytes and skin sections from patients with guttate or chronic plaque psoriasis for the expression of nine TCR Vβ families, using a range of monoclonal antibodies.A marked over-representation of Vβ2+ T lymphocytes was observed in the dermis and epidermis of patients in both groups, when compared with T lymphocytes in their peripheral blood. A less marked dermal increase in Vβ5.1+ T lymphocytes was also observed in these patients. These findings are consistent with the involvement of a superantigen, possibly streptococcal, in the pathogenesis of psoriasis.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2133.1993.tb00477.x
