superantigen

Examples of superantigen in the following topics:

• Superantigens

  • Superantigens are a class of antigens that cause activation of T-cells and massive cytokine release.
  • Superantigens (SAgs) are proteins that cause the T-cells of the immune system to over-react to infection.
  • Common bacterial species that may use a superantigen as part of their virulence strategy are staphylococci and streptococci.
  • The superantigens of each species are, like antigens, molecules the immune system recognizes as being foreign.
  • Superantigens cause symptoms of illness by tricking the T-cells of the immune system into over-reacting to these molecules.

• Fever

  • Pyrogenicity can vary: in extreme examples, some bacterial pyrogens known as superantigens can cause rapid and dangerous fevers.

• Antigen-Presenting Cells

  • Unlike B cells, T cells fail to recognize antigens in the absence of antigen presentation, with the important exception of the superantigens.