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Superantigens

Structure, Function, and Diversity

  • Protocol
Superantigen Protocols

Part of the book series: Methods in Molecular Biology™ ((MIMB,volume 214))

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Abstract

Bacterial superantigens are potent T-cell stimulatory protein molecules produced by Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes 1. Their function in the microbe appears primarily to debilitate the host sufficiently through their effects on cells of the immune system to permit the causation of disease (2). Their superantigenic activity can be attributed to their ability to bind to both major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules and T cell receptors by forming a trimolecular complex (1). Unlike conventional antigens they are not processed internally by antigen presenting cells (APC), and are thus not displayed as peptide antigen in the peptide-binding groove of the MHC class II molecule. Superantigens bind to APCs on the outside of MHC class II molecule and to T cells via the external face of the T-cell receptor (TCR) Vβ element (see Fig. 1). Each superantigen interacts with a specific Vβ region of the TCR, stimulating a large fraction of T cells (for example, up to 10% of resting T cells) (3).

Schematic representation illustrating the differences between conventional peptide antigen presentation and superantigen presentation to MHC class II and TCRs: Left to right, conventional antigen is processed by the APC and displayed as discrete peptide fragments within the peptide binding groove of MHC class II molecules. Interaction occurs between TCR and MHC class II molecule through two possible modes: 1) superantigens bind to the solvent exposed face of the MHC class II molecule (α1) via its generic site, forming a bridge between TCR (Vβ) and MHC class II molecule; 2) Interaction also occurs between TCR Vα and MHC class II molecule involving the β-chain (β1) where the superantigen binds to MHC class II molecule via a bridging zinc atom. In both cases the MHC class II-associated antigenic peptide has been shown to influence T-cell recognition of superantigen/MHC class II molecule complex.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, UK

    Matthew D. Baker & K. Ravi Acharya

Authors
  1. Matthew D. Baker
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  2. K. Ravi Acharya
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD

    Teresa Krakauer

  2. US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Frederick, MD

    Teresa Krakauer

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© 2003 Humana Press Inc.

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Baker, M.D., Ravi Acharya, K. (2003). Superantigens. In: Krakauer, T. (eds) Superantigen Protocols. Methods in Molecular Biology™, vol 214. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1385/1-59259-367-4:001

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1385/1-59259-367-4:001

  • Publisher Name: Humana Press

  • Print ISBN: 978-0-89603-984-1

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-59259-367-5

  • eBook Packages: Springer Protocols

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