Association of parvovirus B19 with plasma cell-rich myocardial infiltrates after heart transplantation.
In this report we describe the development of plasma cell-rich myocardial infiltrates in association with a parvovirus B19 infection in a heart transplant patient. We hypothesize that the virus, either alone or in association with the cardiac allograft, may polarize the immune response in the direction of T helper 2 (Th2) cells rather than the expected Th1 cells. This favors the development of a humoral immune response and infiltration of the graft with plasma cells.
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Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky 40536-0293, USA.
Menon
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Sanchez
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D001706:Biopsy; D002311:Cardiomyopathy, Dilated / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006084:Graft Rejection / Q000473:pathology / Q000821:virology; D016027:Heart Transplantation / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008875:Middle Aged; D009206:Myocardium / Q000473:pathology*; D010322:Parvoviridae Infections / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology*; D016732:Parvovirus B19, Human; D010950:Plasma Cells / Q000473:pathology*
D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents