CD8+ T Cells Contribute to the Development of Coronary Arteritis in the <i>Lactobacillus casei</i> Cell Wall Extract–Induced Murine Model of Kawasaki Disease

Abstract

The LCWE-induced murine model of KD vasculitis mimics many histologic features of the disease in humans, such as the presence of CD8+ T cells and LMP in coronary artery lesions as well as epicardial coronary arteritis. Moreover, CD8+ T cells functionally contribute to the development of KD vasculitis in this murine model. Therapeutic strategies targeting infiltrating CD8+ T cells might be useful in the management of KD in humans.