The possible role of bacterial superantigens in the pathogenesis of autoimmune disorders.
The ability of superantigens (SAgs) to activate the immune system suggests that they may play a role in the course of autoimmune disorders. Here, Joel Schiffenbauer and colleagues review evidence from animal models of autoimmunity, as well as human data that support this hypothesis, and propose a model for SAg involvement in autoimmune disorders.
Schiffenbauer
J
J
Dept of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville 32610, USA. schifje@medicine.ufl.edu
Soos
J
J
Johnson
H
H
D000818:Animals; D000942:Antigens, Bacterial / Q000276:immunology*; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D018448:Models, Immunological; D018089:Superantigens / Q000276:immunology*
D000942:Antigens, Bacterial; D018089:Superantigens