title: Exploitation of host signaling pathways by B cell superantigens--potential strategies for developing targeted therapies in systemic autoimmunity.
abstract: Some infectious agents produce molecules capable of interacting specifically with the immunoglobulin heavy- or light-chain variable regions, independently of the conventional-binding site. They are referred to as B cell superantigens (SAgs) and include protein A of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), gp120 of HIV-1, and protein L of Peptostreptococcus magnus (P. magnus). In contrast to conventional antigens, B cell superantigens interact with conserved framework regions of immunoglobulins and can target a large proportion of B cells. In experimental models, they have been demonstrated to deplete B cell subsets responsible for innate functions, namely B-1a and marginal zone (MZ) B cells. As a result, the interactions of these superantigens with host cells impair the humoral immune response. In addition to providing clues toward understanding host-pathogen interactions and microbial pathogenesis, B cell superantigens represent potential therapeutic agents that could be used to specifically modulate expansion of B cell subsets in diseased subjects. In systemic autoimmune diseases, for example, there is activation and expansion of B cells that secrete pathogenic autoantibodies. Their depletion results in clinical improvement in both experimental animals and patients. Currently, attempts are being made to specifically deplete pathogenic autoantibody-producing B cells. Since B-1a and MZ B cells have been found to be expanded in autoimmune disorders, B cell superantigens, used alone or in combination with other biological agents, may have beneficial effects in autoimmune disease management.
authors.affiliation: Inserm U606, Centre Viggo Petersen, Hôpital Lariboisière, 2, rue Ambroise Paré, F-75475 Paris Cedex 10, France. moncef.zouali@wanadoo.fr
authors.forename: Moncef
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Zouali
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000276:immunology / Q000382:microbiology / Q000628:therapy* / Q000821:virology; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000821:virology; D006801:Humans; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000276:immunology*; D018089:Superantigens / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D018089:Superantigens