Structural evidence for the evolution of pyrogenic toxin superantigens

D T Mitchell1, D G Levitt, P M Schlievert

  • 1Department of Biochemistry, University of Minnesota Medical School, 6-155 Jackson Hall, 321 Church St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.

Summary

Pathogenic bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes produce pyrogenic toxin superantigens (PTSAgs). These toxins share structural similarities, suggesting an evolution through recombination of smaller motifs.

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