High levels of IgA-containing circulating immune complex and secretory IgA in Kawasaki disease

Sera of patients with Kawasaki disease were studied for the levels of IgA-containing (C3-fixing) circulating immune complexes (IgA-CIC), IgG-containing (IgG-)CIC, total IgA, secretory IgA, and complement component (C3) by means of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays or single radial immunodiffusion methods. There was significantly high level of IgA-CIC, but not IgG-CIC. The levels of total IgA, secretory IgA, and C3 were significantly elevated. Significantly high levels of secretory IgA were found in 22 (51%) of 43 patients. The proportion of secretory IgA to total IgA also increased. These abnormalities in the IgA system may play a role in Kawasaki disease.