National Jewish Center for Immunology and Respiratory Medicine

Brian L Kotzin

John W Kappler

Philippa Marrack

Donald Y Leung

Xavier Paliard

Patrick M Schlievert

Cody Meissner

David Fulton

Jun Abe

Youngwon Choi

The invention relates to a method for identifying T cell populations involved in autoimmune diseases. This involves determining levels of a V.beta. element in a body fluid sample of a patient and comparing this to normal levels. Variation from normal levels is indicative of an autoimmune disease. The invention also involves assaying T cell subpopulations in a sample to determine clonality of .beta. chains. Clonality can also be used to diagnose autoimmune disorders.

Method for identifying T cells involved in autoimmune disease

The invention relates to various methodologies for diagnosing Kawasaki syndrome. Various bacteria, including TSST-1 producing Staphylococcus aureus, and SPEB and SPEC producing streptococcus have been found to be indicative of the pathological condition. Also described is a Kawasaki syndrome implicated isolate of S. aureus, and therapeutic methodologies for preventing treating the condition. These involve the administration of anti-TSST-1 agents which are not gamma globulin.

Method for treating Kawasaki syndrome by administration of an

The invention teaches a method for determining levels of T-cell surface antigens in humans, specifically, V.beta. molecules. Measurement of such levels allows for diagnosis of pathological conditions, such as infections, where changes in these levels are indicative of a superantigen initiated pathological condition.

Method for diagnosing a superantigen caused pathologial condition via

Method for identifying T cells disease involved in autoimmune disease

The invention relates to screening of patients to determine the possible presence of Kawasaki Disease. The screening involves assaying for levels of V.beta.2 or V.beta.8.1 by immunoassay, or for the mRNA expressing either of these V.beta. elements. The polymerase chain reaction is one way the mRNA level can be determined. Once the levels in the patient are determined, they are compared to normal levels. An increase is indicative of possible Kawasaki Disease.

Method for screening for Kawasaki disease

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Denver, CO, United States of America

Brian L Kotzin