title: Abnormalities of immunoregulation in Kawasaki syndrome.
abstract: The object of our investigation was to determine the immunoregulatory abnormalities in 48 children with Kawasaki syndrome. We demonstrated a global lymphocytosis with marked expansion of the B cell subset. Despite an increase in B cell numbers, there was a decrease in in vitro immunoglobulin production in response to pokeweed mitogen and hydrocortisone stimulation. These abnormalities correlated with a marked increase in the percentage of CD4+2H4+ (CD4+CD45R+) T cells, a T cell subset thought to be responsible for inducing suppression. Other abnormalities of T cells include cutaneous and in vitro anergy and evidence of T cell activation. Our results suggest that the B cell abnormalities seen in Kawasaki syndrome may be partially explained by defects in T cell immunoregulation.
mesh_terms: D000943:Antigens, Differentiation / Q000032:analysis; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000145:classification / Q000473:pathology; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005260:Female; D006462:Hemolytic Plaque Technique; D006801:Humans; D007107:Immune System / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D007136:Immunoglobulins / Q000096:biosynthesis; D007223:Infant; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000145:classification / Q000276:immunology; D008297:Male; D009080:Mucocutaneous Lymph Node Syndrome / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012882:Skin Tests
chemical_list: D000943:Antigens, Differentiation; D007136:Immunoglobulins