[Superantigens in human disease]

Superantigens include viral and bacterial products, mainly of streptococci, staphylococci that stimulate T cells to proliferate nonspecifically through interaction with class II major histocompatibility complex products on antigen-presenting cells and then with variable regions on the beta chain of T cell receptor complex. Superantigens cause symptoms via release of immune cytokines. These proteins should be considered potential cause of illnesses such as rheumatic fever, arthritis. Kawasaki syndrome, atopic dermatitis, and guttate psoriasis because of their potent immune system-altering capacity.