Searching for Superantigens

Superantigens comprise a large group of viral and bacterial proteins that stimulate T lymphocyte proliferation without regard for the antigenic specificity of the T cells but dependent on the composition of the variable part of the β chain of the T cell receptor. Superantigens induce T cell proliferation dependent on class IIMHC molecules on antigen presenting cells but do not require processing. Major subfamilies of Superantigens include the viral Superantigens, the bacterial pyrogenic toxin Superantigens, and other bacterial Superantigens. Two major approaches have been taken to identify superantigen association with human diseases: a) assessing Vβ T cell receptor skewing in peripheral blood or tissues of patients with illnesses, b) recognition of toxic shock syndrome and related illnesses which are likely to be caused by Superantigens.