Erythema multiforme lesions are associated with expression of a herpes simplex virus (HSV) gene and qualitative alterations in the HSV-specific T-cell response.
A common form of erythema multiforme, herpes-associated erythema multiforme (HAEM), occurs following infection with herpes simplex virus (HSV). Here we report that HSV gene expression and the qualitative nature of the virus-specific T-cell responses are related to HAEM lesion development. Skin from HAEM lesions and 1-3 months healed HAEM lesional skin were positive for the viral DNA polymerase gene (Pol) by polymerase chain reaction. However, gene expression as determined by immunohistochemistry with Pol-specific antibody was seen only in HAEM lesions, suggesting that lesion development is associated with Pol gene expression. Similar HSV-specific T-cell lymphoproliferative responses were seen in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from patients with acute or healed HAEM lesions or HSV lesions and from HSV-seropositive patients with unrelated inflammatory diseases. However, the T-cell receptor variable (V beta) chain repertoire of HSV-stimulated PBMCs obtained from HAEM lesions was altered; the prevalence of some families of variable chain (namely V beta 16 and V beta 19) was reduced, whereas the prevalence of others was increased (namely V beta 2 and V beta 7). V beta 2 cells were found in HAEM lesional skin positive for Pol antigen, suggesting that these cells home to viral antigen-positive skin.
Kokuba
H
H
Virology/Immunology Laboratories, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore 21201, USA.
Imafuku
S
S
Huang
S
S
Aurelian
L
L
Burnett
J W
JW
D000956:Antigens, Viral / Q000276:immunology; D004259:DNA-Directed DNA Polymerase / Q000235:genetics; D004892:Erythema Multiforme / Q000209:etiology* / Q000276:immunology; D015870:Gene Expression; D006561:Herpes Simplex / Q000150:complications* / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / Q000032:analysis; D018139:Simplexvirus / Q000235:genetics*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology
D000956:Antigens, Viral; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell; D004259:DNA-Directed DNA Polymerase