title: Superantigens in dermatology.
abstract: Superantigens (SAgs) are virulent polypeptides that are produced by a variety of infectious organisms. They are capable of causing nonspecific T cell activation by circumventing normal antigen processing in the human host. The genetic makeup of the host plays a role in conferring susceptibility or protection against SAgs. They are linked to a variety of conditions, ranging from toxic shock syndrome to recurrent toxin-mediated perineal erythema. The early recognition of signs and symptoms of SAg-mediated illnesses is important to ensure prompt medical treatment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, New York Medical College, New York, New York 10029, USA. edgarmacias79@gmail.com
authors.forename: Edgar S
authors.initials: ES
authors.lastname: Macias
authors.forename: Frederick A
authors.initials: FA
authors.lastname: Pereira
authors.forename: William
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Rietkerk
authors.forename: Bijan
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Safai
mesh_terms: D017951:Antigen Presentation / Q000276:immunology; D001427:Bacterial Toxins / Q000276:immunology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000276:immunology; D004768:Enterotoxins / Q000276:immunology; D019115:Fasciitis, Necrotizing / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000276:immunology; D009080:Mucocutaneous Lymph Node Syndrome / Q000276:immunology; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000276:immunology; D016693:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta / Q000276:immunology; D012772:Shock, Septic / Q000276:immunology; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000276:immunology*; D013206:Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome / Q000276:immunology; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus / Q000276:immunology; D018089:Superantigens / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D001427:Bacterial Toxins; D004768:Enterotoxins; D016693:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta; D018089:Superantigens; C030107:enterotoxin F, Staphylococcal