Microbial superantigens: from structure to function.
Superantigens are highly potent immune stimulators with a unique ability to interact simultaneously with MHC class II molecules and T cell receptors, forming a trimolecular complex that induces profound T-cell proliferation and massive cytokine production. Recent structural studies have provided a wealth of information regarding these complex interactions, and it is now emerging that, despite their common 3-D architecture, superantigens are able to crosslink MHC class II molecules and T cell receptors in a variety of ways.
Papageorgiou
A C
AC
are in the Dept of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, UK BA2 7AY.
Acharya
K R
KR
D020816:Amino Acid Motifs; D000818:Animals; D001419:Bacteria / Q000276:immunology*; D005802:Genes, MHC Class II / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D008958:Models, Molecular; D011485:Protein Binding; D016693:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D018089:Superantigens / Q000737:chemistry / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D014780:Viruses / Q000276:immunology*; D015032:Zinc / Q000378:metabolism
D016693:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta; D018089:Superantigens; D015032:Zinc