Evolving superantigens of Staphylococcus aureus
RG Ulrich - FEMS Immunology & Medical Microbiology, 2000 - academic.oup.com
FEMS Immunology & Medical Microbiology, 2000•academic.oup.com
Staphylococcus aureus bacteria utilize an extensive array of molecular countermeasures to
manipulate the defensive microenvironment of the infected host and colonize potentially any
tissue. The secreted polypeptides referred to as superantigens are unique among these
countermeasures, because they target the multireceptor communication between T cells and
antigen-presenting cells that is fundamental to initiating pathogen-specific immune
clearance. Superantigens play a critical role in toxic-shock syndrome and food poisoning …
manipulate the defensive microenvironment of the infected host and colonize potentially any
tissue. The secreted polypeptides referred to as superantigens are unique among these
countermeasures, because they target the multireceptor communication between T cells and
antigen-presenting cells that is fundamental to initiating pathogen-specific immune
clearance. Superantigens play a critical role in toxic-shock syndrome and food poisoning …
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus bacteria utilize an extensive array of molecular countermeasures to manipulate the defensive microenvironment of the infected host and colonize potentially any tissue. The secreted polypeptides referred to as superantigens are unique among these countermeasures, because they target the multireceptor communication between T cells and antigen-presenting cells that is fundamental to initiating pathogen-specific immune clearance. Superantigens play a critical role in toxic-shock syndrome and food poisoning, yet their function in routine infections is not well understood. While an association of superantigens with cases of human autoimmune disease seems tantalizing, convincing data are not yet available. Blocking antigen-specific T-cell recognition is the primary evolutionary driving force behind superantigen selection, whereas superantigen-specific pathologies are by-products that are apparent only under select conditions.
![](/scholar/images/qa_favicons/oup.com.png)