Abstract

Erythema multiforme is an acute syndrome often following an infection. Our preliminary clinical pathogenetic study has demonstrated a high association of erythemia multiforme with preceding herpes simplex virus infection. Our hypothesis regarding the pathogenesis of herpes simplex-associated erythema multiforme is that it involves immune complex formation. We believe that herpes-associated erythema multiforme may pose a model of in situ immune complex formation. If herpes glycoprotein antigens are released into the circulation of these patients, it would seem reasonable that they would tend to bind to the surface of epidermal cells. Since herpes viruses are epidermotrophic these proteins are involved in the binding of the virus to the membrane of epidermal cells. Subsequent combinations of antibody with membrane-bound antigen might lead to destruction of cells in the epidermis as seen in erythema multiforme. We plan to utilize enzyme immunoassays and immunofluorescent techniques to evaluate HSV antigens and antibodies in circulating immune complexes and skin biopsies obtained from erythema multiforme patients.

  Funding Agency

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01AI016637-06
Application #
3126755
Study Section
General Medicine A Subcommittee 2 (GMA)
Project Start
1979-09-01
Project End
1987-03-31
Budget Start
1985-04-01
Budget End
1987-03-31
Support Year
6
Fiscal Year
1985
Total Cost
Indirect Cost

  Institution

Name
University of Colorado Denver
Department
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
065391526
City
Aurora
State
CO
Country
United States
Zip Code
80045

  Publications

Weston, W L; Morelli, J G (1998) Newly recognized infectious exanthems. Dermatol Nurs 10:191-3, 197, 205
Weston, W L; Brice, S L (1998) Atypical forms of herpes simplex-associated erythema multiforme. J Am Acad Dermatol 39:124-6
Weston, W L; Morelli, J G; Rogers, M (1997) Target lesions on the lips: childhood herpes simplex associated with erythema multiforme mimics Stevens-Johnson syndrome. J Am Acad Dermatol 37:848-50
Weston, W L; Morelli, J G (1997) Herpes simplex virus-associated erythema multiforme in prepubertal children. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med 151:1014-6
Tay, Y K; Huff, J C; Weston, W L (1996) Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection is associated with Stevens-Johnson syndrome, not erythema multiforme (von Hebra). J Am Acad Dermatol 35:757-60
Brice, S L; Leahy, M A; Ong, L et al. (1994) Examination of non-involved skin, previously involved skin, and peripheral blood for herpes simplex virus DNA in patients with recurrent herpes-associated erythema multiforme. J Cutan Pathol 21:408-12
Brice, S L; Stockert, S S; Bunker, J D et al. (1993) The herpes-specific immune response of individuals with herpes-associated erythema multiforme compared with that of individuals with recurrent herpes labialis. Arch Dermatol Res 285:193-6
Weston, W L; Brice, S L; Jester, J D et al. (1992) Herpes simplex virus in childhood erythema multiforme. Pediatrics 89:32-4
Brice, S L; Stockert, S S; Jester, J D et al. (1992) Detection of herpes simplex virus DNA in the peripheral blood during acute recurrent herpes labialis. J Am Acad Dermatol 26:594-8
Huff, J C (1992) Erythema multiforme and latent herpes simplex infection. Semin Dermatol 11:207-10

Showing the most recent 10 out of 22 publications