Microbial superantigens as virulence factors and ways to counteract their actions.

Microbial superantigens represent a group of molecules that is able to cause massive activation of the host immune system. Human diseases originating from superantigen-secreting bacterial agents are characterized by shock, which continues to pose major health problems. Presently, the treatment of superantigen-mediated infections is limited to the administration of antibiotics and handling of the state of shock. However, the development of multiple antibiotic-resistant, superantigen-producing bacterial strains increases the threat of these infections, and prompts researchers to better understand and treat disease states in which exposure to superantigens is at least partly responsible for the outcome. In the past decade, significant understanding has been achieved regarding the molecular mechanisms of superantigen-host interactions. Based on this understanding, a variety of promising strategies directed against superantigens have been developed. In this review, we discuss some of these strategies, as well as the potential for therapeutic applications of superantigens for the benefit of the host.