title: Chronic rhinosinusitis and superantigens.
abstract: This article discusses the potential role of bacterial superantigens (SAgs) in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRS/NP). First, it briefly describes SAgs, focusing on how they interact with the immune system by binding to T-cell receptors (TCR) and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules. Second, it discusses the role of SAgs in other chronic inflammatory diseases.Finally, it presents evidence for the role of SAgs in the pathogenesis and maintenance of CRS/NP focusing on current research and future considerations.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 303 E. Chicago Avenue, Searle Building 12-561, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
authors.forename: Kristin A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Seiberling
authors.forename: Leslie
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Grammer
authors.forename: Robert C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Kern
mesh_terms: D002908:Chronic Disease; D000949:Histocompatibility Antigens Class II / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D009298:Nasal Polyps / Q000276:immunology; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / Q000276:immunology; D012220:Rhinitis / Q000276:immunology*; D012852:Sinusitis / Q000276:immunology*; D018089:Superantigens / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D000949:Histocompatibility Antigens Class II; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell; D018089:Superantigens