Necrotic Change of Tunica Media Plays a Key Role in the Development of Coronary Artery Lesions in Kawasaki Disease

Background: Alarmins resulting from cell death or oxidative stress are involved in the development of Kawasaki disease (KD) vasculitis. In a previous study, we demonstrated the potential role of interleukin (IL)-33 as an alarmin in the development of KD vasculitis. Although edematous dissociation (necrotic change) of the tunica media is thought to be a major source of IL-33 in KD vasculitis, it has not yet been elucidated.