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T lymphocyte-stimulating microbial toxins as "superantigens"
1Abteilung Pathophysiologie, 1. Medizinische Klinik der Universität Mainz, Federal Republic of Germany.
Medical Microbiology and Immunology
|January 1, 1991
Summary
Pathogenic microbes use superantigens to bypass the host immune system. These molecules mimic antigen recognition, causing widespread T cell activation and immune evasion.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Pathogens interact with the host adaptive immune system, involving T and B lymphocytes.
- Microbial evasion strategies include antigenic variation, privileged site escape, and immunosuppression.
- Some microbes produce soluble factors or toxins that suppress immune cells, like pore-forming molecules or G protein-interfering proteins.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a potent mechanism used by Gram-positive cocci and mycoplasma to stimulate T cells.
- To introduce the term "superantigens" for molecules that mimic specific antigen recognition.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of microbial evasion mechanisms against host immunity.
- Functional characterization of microbial factors involved in immune modulation.
- Observation of T cell activation patterns.
Main Results:
- Gram-positive cocci and a mycoplasma utilize a mechanism that closely mimics specific antigen recognition.
- This mechanism leads to multiclonal activation of T cells.
- The term "superantigens" is proposed for these molecules based on their function.
Conclusions:
- Superantigens represent a potent microbial strategy for immune evasion.
- These molecules effectively bypass normal antigen-specific T cell responses.
- Understanding superantigens is crucial for developing strategies against microbial infections.