Detection of streptococcal class I M protein in psoriasis by confocal immunofluorescent microscopy.
Epidemiological evidence implicates Streptococcus pyogenes (group A) infection as a common triggering stimulus for psoriasis. Unequivocal demonstration of streptococcal antigens in psoriatic skin has been difficult due to cross-reactive antigens in both normal human tissue and group A streptococci, which complicate immunohistological analysis. In this study cryostat sections of involved psoriatic skin were stained with monoclonal antibody 111-15504 to group A streptococci. The epitope recognized by this antibody was found to be specific for group A streptococci and is associated with class I M protein. Streptococcal antigens were found in the dermal papillae and epidermis of psoriatic skin lesions of 20 out 38 patients. These findings indicate that specific S. pyogenes antigen, associated with class I M protein, is often present in psoriatic lesions. Such an antigen, originating from focal infection elsewhere could be responsible for T-lymphocyte inflammatory responses triggering the development of psoriatic lesions.
Talanin
N Y
NY
Department of Medicine, Medical College of Ohio, Toledo 43699-0008, USA.
Shelley
W B
WB
Raeder
R
R
Shelley
E D
ED
Boyle
M D
MD
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000276:immunology; D000918:Antibody Specificity; D000942:Antigens, Bacterial / Q000032:analysis*; D001425:Bacterial Outer Membrane Proteins; D001426:Bacterial Proteins / Q000032:analysis*; D002352:Carrier Proteins; D019084:Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect; D005490:Focal Infection / Q000276:immunology*; D018859:Hair Follicle / Q000166:cytology; D006801:Humans; D018613:Microscopy, Confocal; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000276:immunology* / Q000382:microbiology; D013297:Streptococcus pyogenes / Q000276:immunology*
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000942:Antigens, Bacterial; D001425:Bacterial Outer Membrane Proteins; D001426:Bacterial Proteins; D002352:Carrier Proteins; C014689:streptococcal M protein