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Increased T‐cell receptor Vβ2 chain expression in skin homing lymphocytes in psoriasis
Author(s) -
Davison S,
Allen M,
Harmer A,
Vaughan R,
Barker J N W N
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
british journal of dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.304
H-Index - 179
eISSN - 1365-2133
pISSN - 0007-0963
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-2133.1999.02813.x
Subject(s) - superantigen , t cell receptor , psoriasis , immunology , homing (biology) , t lymphocyte , pathogenesis , receptor , t cell , lymphocyte homing receptor , antigen , medicine , biology , cell , immune system , genetics , cell adhesion , ecology
Studies have shown over‐representation of certain T‐cell receptor (TCR) Vβ chains in lesional psoriatic skin, implying selection or expansion, possibly by bacterial superantigen. We investigated the pattern of TCR Vβ chain usage in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) bearing the skin homing receptor cutaneous lymphocyte associated antigen (CLA) in psoriasis patients. Results showed increased expression of TCR Vβ2 in CLA‐positive PBL in psoriasis patients ( n = 15) compared with normals ( n = 10); P < 0.002. As Vβ2 is preferentially expressed by lymphocytes responding to certain bacterial superantigens, this study could possibly indicate a role for superantigens in the pathogenesis of psoriasis.