Statements in which the resource exists as a subject.
PredicateObject
rdf:type
lifeskim:mentions
pubmed:issue
1
pubmed:dateCreated
1991-8-1
pubmed:abstractText
M proteins, the major virulence factor of group A streptococci, have been implicated in the pathogenesis of acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and other streptococcal related autoimmune diseases. A 22-kD fragment of M type 5 protein is a potent stimulant of human T cells and has recently been shown by our laboratory to belong to the newly designated family of superantigens. Using flow cytometry and the polymerase chain reaction, we demonstrate that this molecule reacts with subsets of human T cells expressing specific T cell receptor (TCR) V beta elements, namely V beta 2, 4, and 8. We employed similar techniques to analyze the TCR V alpha usage of pep M5-stimulated T cells. These studies revealed that the preferential usage of particular V alpha elements is not specific for the superantigen; rather, it may reflect the repertoire of the individual being tested. The expansion of a large number of T cells bearing specific TCR V beta sequences by M protein may account for its role in mediating the pathogenesis of post-streptococcal diseases. Furthermore, the preferential usage of TCR V alpha elements in certain individuals may be an important factor that predisposes them to development of self-reactivity.
pubmed:grant
pubmed:commentsCorrections
pubmed:language
eng
pubmed:journal
pubmed:citationSubset
IM
pubmed:chemical
pubmed:status
MEDLINE
pubmed:month
Jul
pubmed:issn
0022-1007
pubmed:author
pubmed:issnType
Print
pubmed:day
1
pubmed:volume
174
pubmed:owner
NLM
pubmed:authorsComplete
Y
pubmed:pagination
285-8
pubmed:dateRevised
2009-11-18
pubmed:meshHeading
pubmed:year
1991
pubmed:articleTitle
T cell receptor V gene usage by human T cells stimulated with the superantigen streptococcal M protein.
pubmed:affiliation
Veteran's Administration Medical Center, Memphis, Tennessee 38104.
pubmed:publicationType
Journal Article, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S., Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.