Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 20, 2026

Implementation of a Permeable Membrane Insert-based Infection System to Study the Effects of Secreted Bacterial Toxins on Mammalian Host Cells
Published on: August 19, 2016
Pyrogenicity and cytokine-inducing properties of Streptococcus pyogenes superantigens: comparative study of
H Müller-Alouf1, T Proft, T M Zollner
1Département de Microbiologie des Ecosystèmes, Institut Pasteur de Lille, France.
Abstract:
Streptococcal mitogenic exotoxin Z (SMEZ), a superantigen derived from Streptococcus pyogenes, provoked expansion of human lymphocytes expressing the Vbeta 2, 4, 7 and 8 motifs of T-cell receptor. SMEZ was pyrogenic in rabbits and stimulated the expression of the T-cell activation markers CD69 and cutaneous lymphocyte-associated antigen. A variety of cytokines was released by human mononuclear leukocytes stimulated with SMEZ, which was 10-fold more active than streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin A. Th2-derived cytokines were elicited only by superantigens and not by streptococcal cells.
Related Concept Videos
Cross-reactivity
Antigens Involved in Adaptive Immunity
Complete Antigens
Complete antigens possess both immunogenicity and reactivity.
Bacterial Toxins
Determinants of Bacterial Pathogenicity and Virulence
Streptococcal Pharyngitis

