THE TOXIC SHOCK SYNDROME TOXIN-1 INDUCES ANERGY IN HUMAN T-CELLS IN-VIVO

TSST-1 is a Staphylococcus aureus-derived superantigen which has been implicated in the pathogenesis of toxic shock syndrome. In mice, super antigen-induced proliferation is followed by deletion or anergy of rea ctive T cells. So far, superantigen-induced T-cell anergy has not been observed in humans. We therefore examined PBMCs derived from a 15-yea r-old patient suffering from severe toxic shock syndrome. Markedly ele vated levels of circulating TSST-1-reactive T cells were found by cyto fluorometric analysis. Upon in vitro restimulation with TSST-1, hypore sponsiveness of TSST-1-responsive V beta(2) T cells was detected, thus confirming results obtained in the murine system.