Bacterial superantigens (SAgs) are protein exotoxins of Staphylococcus aureus and
Streptococcus pyogenes which trigger massive, polyclonal, T cell activation dependent upon the
HLA class II molecule, but independent of HLA class II processing. SAgs are responsible for
streptococcal and staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome. The staphylococcal SAgs are
responsible for enterotoxic food poisoning, whilst SAgs are also hypothesised to have a role in
Kawasaki’s Disease and other forms of autoimmunity - rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes mellitus,
psoriasis and eczema. The investigation, diagnosis and management of SAg mediated disease
are hampered by limitations in the tools available for superantigen detection. SAgs are
serologically very diverse, are active at tiny concentrations and surrogate markers of
superantigenicity, such as V� specific changes in T cell repertoire, produce conflicting data
even in the definitive syndrome of SAg exposure; toxic shock.
Date of Award | 2009 |
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Original language | English |
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Awarding Institution | |
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Detection of bacterial superantigens using HLA characterisation of the TCR class II and V signature
Spurling, L. (Author). 2009
Student thesis: Master's Thesis