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Modification of immediate hypersensitivity responses by staphylococcal enterotoxin B
E W Gelfand1, J Saloga, G Lack
1Department of Pediatrics, National Jewish Center for Immunology and Respiratory Medicine, Denver, Colorado 80206, USA.
Journal of Clinical Immunology
|November 1, 1995
Summary
Staphylococcal enterotoxin B administration prevented allergic responses in mice by inhibiting T-cell expansion. This suggests bacterial toxins could treat allergic and autoimmune diseases.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Allergy Research
Background:
- Staphylococcal enterotoxins (superantigens) activate T lymphocytes expressing specific T-cell receptor V beta genes.
- These toxins can induce T-cell activation or anergy, impacting immune responses.
- Staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) interacts with specific T-cell subsets, including V beta 8+ T cells crucial for hypersensitivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of staphylococcal enterotoxin B on the development of immediate hypersensitivity in a murine model.
- To understand the role of V beta 8+ T cells in SEB-mediated modulation of allergic responses.
Main Methods:
- BALB/c mice were sensitized to ovalbumin to induce immediate hypersensitivity.
- Intradermal injection of staphylococcal enterotoxin B was administered.
- T-cell responses, including V beta 8+ T cell expansion, and hypersensitivity manifestations were assessed.
Main Results:
- Intradermal SEB injection prevented the development of immediate hypersensitivity without significant V beta 8+ T cell deletion.
- SEB administration inhibited antigen-induced expansion of V beta 8+ T cells.
- This inhibition led to a state of T-cell unresponsiveness or anergy, preventing hypersensitivity.
Conclusions:
- Staphylococcal enterotoxin B can prevent antigen-induced T-cell expansion and subsequent immediate hypersensitivity.
- Bacterial toxins may offer a novel therapeutic strategy for allergic and autoimmune diseases.
- Modulating T-cell subsets with superantigens presents a potential intervention approach.