Superantigens and their role in disease.
Because superantigens bind to extremely large numbers of T cells, they are useful for investigating the immune system. Moreover, they appear to have diverse pathologic roles. They may be responsible for massive cytokine release in toxic shock, activate self-reactive T cells in Kawasaki disease and rheumatoid arthritis, and participate in immune tolerance and deficiency.
National Jewish Center for Immunology and Respiratory Medicine, Denver.
B L
BL
Kotzin
D000818:Animals; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000276:immunology; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007239:Infections / Q000276:immunology; D051379:Mice; D009080:Mucocutaneous Lymph Node Syndrome / Q000276:immunology; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / Q000276:immunology; D018089:Superantigens / Q000276:immunology*
D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell; D018089:Superantigens