Tarkowski Andrej, Collins L Vincent, Jonsson Ing-Marie, Eriksson Kristina, Sakiniene Egidija, Verdrengh Margareta
Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Göteborg University, Sweden.
Scand J Infect Dis. 2003;35(9):642-6. doi: 10.1080/00365540310016330.
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.
微生物超抗原是一类能够引发宿主免疫系统大规模激活的分子。由分泌超抗原的细菌病原体引起的人类疾病以休克为特征，这仍然是主要的健康问题。目前，超抗原介导感染的治疗仅限于使用抗生素和处理休克状态。然而，多重耐药、产生超抗原的细菌菌株的出现增加了这些感染的威胁，并促使研究人员更好地理解和治疗那些超抗原暴露至少部分导致疾病结果的病症。在过去十年中，人们对超抗原与宿主相互作用的分子机制有了重要认识。基于这一认识，已开发出多种针对超抗原的有前景的策略。在本综述中，我们讨论其中一些策略，以及超抗原用于宿主受益的治疗应用潜力。
