Method for diagnosing a superantigen caused pathologial condition via assay of T-cells
AssigneeNational Jewish Center for Immunology and Respiratory Medicine
InventorsBrian L. Kotzin, Philippa Marrack, John Kappler, Youngwon Choi
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Abstract
The invention teaches a method for determining levels of T-cell surface antigens in humans, specifically, V.beta. molecules. Measurement of such levels allows for diagnosis of pathological conditions, such as infections, where changes in these levels are indicative of a superantigen initiated pathological condition.
Claims4
A method for diagnosing a pathological condition caused by a superantigen, comprising assaying a T-cell containing body fluid sample of a human patient to determine the level of a V.beta. elements characteristic of said pathological condition, and comparing the level to normal levels in a comparable T-cell containing body fluid sample, wherein a depletion of said V.beta. element is indicative of a pathological condition caused by exposure to said superantigen.
A method for diagnosing a superantigen-mediated pathological condition, comprising assaying a T-cell containing body fluid sample of a human patient to determine the pattern of V.beta. elements present, and identifying the presence of a superantigen-mediated pathological condition from said V.beta. pattern.
A method for differentiating between superantigen-mediated pathological conditions, comprising assaying a T-cell containing body fluid sample of a human patient to determine the pattern of V.beta. elements present, and identifying the specific superantigen mediating the pathological condition.
Method for diagnosing toxic shock syndrome comprising assaying a T-cell containing sample of a human patient to determine a level of V.beta.2 subtype T cells in said sample and comparing said level to normals levels in a comparable sample, wherein an increase in said V.beta.2 subtype level is indicative of toxic shock syndrome.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.