The cytokine response to streptococcal superantigens varies between individual toxins and between individuals: implications for the pathogenesis of group A streptococcal diseases.
The complete set of currently known streptococcal superantigens (SAgs) was tested for efficacy to induce in vitro cytokine responses from 5 different blood donors using the Luminex 100 system. Cytokine responses varied significantly between individual SAgs and between donors with a mixed Th1/Th2 response in 3 donors and a predominantly Th1 or Th2 response in the other 2 donors. Our results suggest that streptococcal SAgs might be involved not only in acute streptococcal diseases but also in chronic inflammation and autoimmune diseases.
Proft
Thomas
T
Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand. t.proft@auckland.ac.nz
Schrage
Birgit
B
Fraser
John D
JD
D002478:Cells, Cultured; D016207:Cytokines / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D013290:Streptococcal Infections / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000382:microbiology; D013291:Streptococcus / Q000276:immunology; D018089:Superantigens / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D018417:Th1 Cells / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D018418:Th2 Cells / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*
D016207:Cytokines; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D018089:Superantigens