Increased percentages of calprotectin and TNF-Α double-positive monocytes in the acute phase of Kawasaki disease

Background The acute phase of KD is characterized by a deficiency of suppressor T cells, marked activation of the immune system and increased secretion of cytokines by immune effector cells. Moreover, it has been shown that myeloid-related protein (MRP-8 and MRP-14) and S100proteins, the major calcium-binding proteins secreted by activated neutrophils and monocytes, contribute to cause inflammation in acute lesions of KD, and indeed one of the more common hematological alteration in KD is the increase of peripheral blood monocytes. Calprotectin, one of the major calcium-binding proteins, can lead to direct and indirect effects that result not only in inflammation but also in modification of…