Pathogenesis of drug-induced exanthema.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

In vitro data derived from drug-specific T cell clones have revealed that heterogeneous T cell subsets with distinct phenotypes (CD4+ > CD8+) and cell functions (strong IL-5 production, cytotoxic potential) are generated. The aim of this study was to elaborate the relevance of these findings in vivo.

METHODS:

Skin biopsy specimens from drug-induced maculopapular exanthema and normal skin were analyzed for CD4, CD8, CD25, HLA-DR, CD54, perforin, granzyme B, IL-5 and IFN-gamma using immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS:

The majority of infiltrating lymphocytes in maculopapular drug eruptions were CD4+. Both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells expressed perforin and granzyme B and were partly located at the dermoepidermal junction and in the epidermis. In addition, strong immunoreactivity for IL-5 and moderate immunoreactivity for IFN-gamma were observed in the mononuclear cell infiltrate.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our data indicate that skin infiltrating T cells with a cytotoxic potential and the ability to produce IL-5 and IFN-gamma may contribute to the damage of keratinocytes and the activation of eosinophils, which are typical features of drug-induced maculopapular exanthema.

• Authors: N Yawalkar, W J Pichler
• Journal: International archives of allergy and immunology (Int Arch Allergy Immunol) 2001 Jan-Mar Vol. 124 Issue 1-3 Pg. 336-8 ISSN: 1018-2438 [Print] Switzerland
• PMID: 11307008 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
• Copyright: Copyright 2001 S. Karger AG, Basel

Chemical References

• Interleukin-5
• Membrane Glycoproteins
• Pore Forming Cytotoxic Proteins
• Perforin
• GZMB protein, human
• Granzymes
• Serine Endopeptidases

Topics

• Drug Hypersensitivity (immunology)
• Exanthema (chemically induced, immunology)
• Granzymes
• Humans
• Interleukin-5 (biosynthesis)
• Membrane Glycoproteins (biosynthesis)
• Perforin
• Pore Forming Cytotoxic Proteins
• Serine Endopeptidases (biosynthesis)
• Skin (immunology)
• T-Lymphocyte Subsets (classification)
• T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic (immunology)