PATTERNS OF INTERFERON-GAMMA MESSENGER-RNA EXPRESSION IN TOXIC SHOCK SYNDROME TOXIN-1 EXPANDED V-BETA-11(-LYMPHOCYTES() T)

We have recently demonstrated that toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 (TSST- 1), a staphylococcal exotoxin with superantigenic properties, is invol ved in the pathogenesis of septic arthritis. The aim of the current st udy was to characterize in detail the in vitro properties of TSST-1 wi th regard to T cell activation patterns. We demonstrate that TSST-1 pr eferentially expands murine V beta 11(+) T lymphocytes and this expans ion occurs equally well within CD4 and CD8 compartments. To analyze th e functional properties of V beta 11(+) T cells expanded in response t o TSST-1, we have utilized a combined in situ hybridization and immuno cytochemistry method. With this technique we show that TSST-1-stimulat ed V beta 11(+) T cells are an important source of IFN gamma mRNA synt hesis, suggesting that this cytokine may participate in superantigen-m ediated septic arthritis. (C) 1995 Academic Press, Inc.