Johnson H M, Torres B A, Soos J M
Department of Microbiology and Cell Science, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, USA.
Proc Soc Exp Biol Med. 1996 Jun;212(2):99-109. doi: 10.3181/00379727-212-43996.
Superantigens are a class of immunostimulatory molecules produced by bacteria and viruses. Their potent immune effects are due to their unique ability to bind to the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) outside the antigen-binding cleft and to stimulate T cells in a T-cell receptor (TCR) Vbeta-specific manner. Structural studies have revealed the binding sites involved in the MHC/superantigen/TCR complex. The bacterial superantigens are responsible for a number of syndromes, including food poisoning and toxic shock syndrome, but their effects may be not only acute but also chronic and complex. Recent evidence suggests that superantigens may be relevant to the pathogenesis of autoimmune and immunodeficiency disorders. To illustrate the detrimental effects of superantigens on disease outcome, evidence demonstrating the modulation of experimental allergic encephalomyelitis, an animal model for multiple sclerosis, by superantigen, as well as the potential role of superantigens in HIV pathogenesis of AIDS, will be presented. The information presented may provide valuable insight into the role of superantigens in autoimmunity and HIV infection.
超抗原是一类由细菌和病毒产生的免疫刺激分子。它们强大的免疫效应源于其独特的能力，即能够结合抗原结合裂隙外的主要组织相容性复合体（MHC），并以T细胞受体（TCR）Vβ特异性方式刺激T细胞。结构研究揭示了MHC/超抗原/TCR复合体中涉及的结合位点。细菌超抗原会引发多种综合征，包括食物中毒和中毒性休克综合征，但其影响可能不仅是急性的，还可能是慢性且复杂的。最近的证据表明，超抗原可能与自身免疫性疾病和免疫缺陷疾病的发病机制有关。为了说明超抗原对疾病结局的有害影响，将展示超抗原对实验性变态反应性脑脊髓炎（一种多发性硬化症的动物模型）的调节作用的证据，以及超抗原在艾滋病病毒（HIV）导致艾滋病发病机制中的潜在作用。所呈现的信息可能为超抗原在自身免疫和HIV感染中的作用提供有价值的见解。
