Superantigens

Superantigens

Superantigens are a class of molecules that can interact with APCs and T lymphocytes in a nonspecific way. The superan-tigens act differently by interacting with MHC class II mol-ecules of the APC and the Vb domain of the T-lymphocyte receptor. This interaction results in the activation of a larger number of T cells (10%) than conventional antigens (1%), lead-ing to massive cytokine expression and immunomodulation. Examples of superantigens are staphylococcal enterotoxins, toxic shock syndrome toxin, exfoliative toxins, and also some viral proteins.