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Detection of streptococcal class I M protein in psoriasis by confocal immunofluorescent microscopy
N Y Talanin1, W B Shelley, R Raeder
1Department of Medicine, Medical College of Ohio, Toledo 43699-0008, USA.
Abstract:
Epidemiological evidence implicates Streptococcus pyogenes (group A) infection as a common triggering stimulus for psoriasis. Unequivocal demonstration of streptococcal antigens in psoriatic skin has been difficult due to cross-reactive antigens in both normal human tissue and group A streptococci, which complicate immunohistological analysis. In this study cryostat sections of involved psoriatic skin were stained with monoclonal antibody 111-15504 to group A streptococci. The epitope recognized by this antibody was found to be specific for group A streptococci and is associated with class I M protein. Streptococcal antigens were found in the dermal papillae and epidermis of psoriatic skin lesions of 20 out 38 patients. These findings indicate that specific S. pyogenes antigen, associated with class I M protein, is often present in psoriatic lesions. Such an antigen, originating from focal infection elsewhere could be responsible for T-lymphocyte inflammatory responses triggering the development of psoriatic lesions.
Insights
Streptococcus pyogenes (group A) infection is linked to psoriasis. Researchers found specific streptococcal antigens in psoriatic skin lesions, suggesting a role in triggering the inflammatory skin condition.
Area of Science:
- Immunodermatology
- Microbial Immunology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease.
- Epidemiological studies suggest Streptococcus pyogenes (group A) infection as a common trigger for psoriasis.
- Demonstrating streptococcal antigens in psoriatic skin is challenging due to cross-reactivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence of specific Streptococcus pyogenes antigens in psoriatic skin lesions.
- To identify the association of these antigens with specific bacterial components.
Main Methods:
- Cryostat sections of psoriatic skin lesions were stained using a monoclonal antibody (111-15504) specific for group A streptococci.
- Immunohistological analysis was performed to detect streptococcal antigens.
- The specificity of the antibody's epitope was confirmed to be associated with class I M protein.
Main Results:
- Streptococcal antigens were detected in the dermal papillae and epidermis of psoriatic skin lesions in 20 out of 38 patients.
- The identified epitope was specific to group A streptococci and linked to class I M protein.
- These findings suggest the frequent presence of specific S. pyogenes antigens in psoriatic lesions.
Conclusions:
- Specific Streptococcus pyogenes antigens, associated with class I M protein, are often present in psoriatic lesions.
- These antigens may originate from a focal infection and trigger T-lymphocyte inflammatory responses, leading to psoriasis development.
- This provides evidence supporting the role of S. pyogenes in initiating or exacerbating psoriasis.