Abstract
Superantigens are highly potent immune stimulators with a unique ability to interact simultaneously with MHC class II molecules and T cell receptors, forming a trimolecular complex that induces profound T-cell proliferation and massive cytokine production. Recent structural studies have provided a wealth of information regarding these complex interactions, and it is now emerging that, despite their common 3-D architecture, superantigens are able to crosslink MHC class II molecules and T cell receptors in a variety of ways.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Review
MeSH terms
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Amino Acid Motifs
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Animals
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Bacteria / immunology*
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Genes, MHC Class II / immunology*
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Humans
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Models, Molecular
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Protein Binding
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Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta / immunology*
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Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta / metabolism
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Superantigens / chemistry
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Superantigens / immunology*
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Superantigens / metabolism
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T-Lymphocytes / cytology
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T-Lymphocytes / immunology
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T-Lymphocytes / metabolism
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Viruses / immunology*
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Zinc / metabolism
Substances
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Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, alpha-beta
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Superantigens
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Zinc