Superantigen
Superantigen
Superantigens (pronounced soo-per-an-tuh-juhnz) are a class of antigens that have the ability to activate a large proportion of an individual's T cells. This is in contrast to conventional antigens, which can only activate a small fraction of T cells. The term "superantigen" is derived from the Latin super meaning "above" or "beyond", and the Greek antigen, meaning "to produce".
Function
Superantigens bind to the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) class II molecules and T cell receptors in a way that bypasses the normal antigen-presenting process. This results in a massive release of cytokines, leading to severe systemic effects such as fever, shock, and potentially death.
Examples
Examples of superantigens include certain toxins produced by Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes, which are responsible for conditions such as toxic shock syndrome and scarlet fever.
Clinical significance
Superantigens have been implicated in a variety of diseases, including autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes mellitus type 1. They are also involved in the pathogenesis of certain infectious diseases, including toxic shock syndrome and food poisoning.
See also
- Antigen
- T cell
- Major Histocompatibility Complex
- Cytokine
- Toxic shock syndrome
- Scarlet fever
- Autoimmune disease
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Diabetes mellitus type 1
- Food poisoning
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Superantigen
- Wikipedia's article - Superantigen
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