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Classical pathway complement activation in Kawasaki syndrome

T Kohsaka1, J Abe, T Asahina

  • 1National Childrens' Hospital, Childrens' Medical Research Center, Department of Immunology, Tokyo, Japan.

The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
|February 1, 1994
PubMed

Insights

Complement activation via the classical pathway occurs in Kawasaki syndrome, indicated by breakdown products. Increased production of complement components compensates for activation, maintaining normal serum levels during inflammation.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Pediatric Medicine
  • Complement System

Background:

  • Kawasaki syndrome is an acute febrile illness affecting young children.
  • The complement system plays a crucial role in innate and adaptive immunity.
  • Understanding complement activation in Kawasaki syndrome is vital for disease management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate complement activation pathways in patients with Kawasaki syndrome.
  • To examine the relationship between complement components and cytokine levels.
  • To determine if complement consumption occurs during the inflammatory process.

Main Methods:

  • Measurement of complement breakdown products (C3d, C4d, Bb, MAC) in patient plasma.
  • Assessment of hemolytic titers and intact complement protein concentrations (C3, C4, B).
  • Correlation analysis between serum cytokine levels (IL-6) and complement components.

Main Results:

  • Strong evidence of classical complement pathway activation was observed.
  • No significant decrease in hemolytic titer or intact complement proteins (C3, C4, B) was detected.
  • Elevated interleukin-6 levels correlated with C3 and B concentrations 5 days later.

Conclusions:

  • Complement activation via the classical pathway is implicated in Kawasaki syndrome.
  • Increased production of complement components accompanies the inflammatory response.
  • Activation products increase without a net decrease in serum complement levels due to compensatory production.

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