Antigens vs.Superantigens

摘要

Superantigens are toxins of microbial or viral origin that can crosslink T cells and antigen presenting cells (APCs) by binding to the variable a chain of the T cell receptor (TCR-VP) and to the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) on APCs.Superantigens are completely different from the classical antigens found presented on MHC molecules.Understanding the activation of cells by superantigens is a crucial step in designing specific therapeutic options against superantigen-induced diseases.