Searching for the cause of Kawasaki disease--cytoplasmic inclusion bodies provide new insight.
Kawasaki disease (KD) has emerged as the most common cause of acquired heart disease in children in the developed world. The cause of KD remains unknown, although an as-yet unidentified infectious agent might be responsible. By determining the causative agent, we can improve diagnosis, therapy and prevention of KD. Recently, identification of an antigen-driven IgA response that was directed at cytoplasmic inclusion bodies in KD tissues has provided new insights that could unlock the mysteries of KD.
Rowley
Anne H
AH
Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, The Center for Kawasaki Disease, The Children's Memorial Hospital, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA. rowley@northwestern.edu
Baker
Susan C
SC
Orenstein
Jan M
JM
Shulman
Stanford T
ST
D000328:Adult; D000941:Antigens / Q000032:analysis / Q000276:immunology; D002648:Child; D003323:Coronary Aneurysm / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology; D003593:Cytoplasm / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007070:Immunoglobulin A / Q000032:analysis / Q000276:immunology*; D002479:Inclusion Bodies / Q000276:immunology*; D009080:Mucocutaneous Lymph Node Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D010950:Plasma Cells / Q000276:immunology
D000941:Antigens; D007070:Immunoglobulin A