The toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 induces anergy in human T cells in vivo.
TSST-1 is a Staphylococcus aureus-derived superantigen which has been implicated in the pathogenesis of toxic shock syndrome. In mice, superantigen-induced proliferation is followed by deletion or anergy of reactive T cells. So far, superantigen-induced T-cell anergy has not been observed in humans. We therefore examined PBMCs derived from a 15-year-old patient suffering from severe toxic shock syndrome. Markedly elevated levels of circulating TSST-1-reactive T cells were found by cytofluorometric analysis. Upon in vitro restimulation with TSST-1, hyporesponsiveness of TSST-1-responsive V beta 2+ T cells was detected, thus confirming results obtained in the murine system.
Mahlknecht
U
U
Children's University Hospital, Department of Oncology/Hematology, Tübingen, Germany.
Herter
M
M
Hoffmann
M K
MK
Niethammer
D
D
Dannecker
G E
GE
D000293:Adolescent; D001427:Bacterial Toxins; D017635:Clonal Anergy / Q000187:drug effects*; D004768:Enterotoxins / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016130:Immunophenotyping; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000187:drug effects; D016693:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta / Q000032:analysis; D012772:Shock, Septic / Q000276:immunology*; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus / Q000276:immunology; D018089:Superantigens / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000145:classification / Q000187:drug effects*
D001427:Bacterial Toxins; D004768:Enterotoxins; D016693:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta; D018089:Superantigens; C030107:enterotoxin F, Staphylococcal