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Staphylococcal enterotoxins can reactivate experimental allergic encephalomyelitis
J Schiffenbauer1, H M Johnson, E J Butfiloski
1Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville 32610.
Summary
Staphylococcal enterotoxins (SEs) can reactivate T cells and trigger autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis. This study shows SEB and SEA can reinduce experimental allergic encephalomyelitis in mice, indicating a link between SEs and autoimmune disorders.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Staphylococcal enterotoxins (SEs) are superantigens that activate T cells.
- Superantigens may trigger autoimmune disorders by activating autoreactive T cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of SEs B and A (SEB and SEA) on experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) reactivation.
- To determine if SEs can induce or reinduce autoimmune diseases.
Main Methods:
- Administered SEB and SEA to mice that had recovered from EAE.
- Administered SEB and SEA to mice immunized with myelin basic protein.
- Assessed T cell anergy induction.
Main Results:
- SEB reinduced EAE in mice that had recovered from the disease.
- SEB induced EAE in mice immunized with myelin basic protein.
- SEA also reinduced EAE in recovered mice and those immunized with myelin basic protein.
- T cells previously activated by myelin basic protein were resistant to SEB-induced anergy.
Conclusions:
- SEs can reactivate autoreactive T cells.
- SEs have the potential to induce autoimmune diseases such as EAE.