superantigen

(noun)

an antigen, which has a powerful interaction with T-lymphocytes

Related Terms

  • Kawasaki disease
  • interferon

Examples of superantigen in the following topics:

  • Superantigens

    • Superantigens are a class of antigens that cause activation of T-cells and massive cytokine release.
    • Superantigens (SAgs) are proteins that cause the T-cells of the immune system to over-react to infection.
    • Common bacterial species that may use a superantigen as part of their virulence strategy are staphylococci and streptococci.
    • The superantigens of each species are, like antigens, molecules the immune system recognizes as being foreign.
    • Superantigens cause symptoms of illness by tricking the T-cells of the immune system into over-reacting to these molecules.
  • Fever

    • Pyrogenicity can vary: in extreme examples, some bacterial pyrogens known as superantigens can cause rapid and dangerous fevers.
  • Antigen-Presenting Cells

    • Unlike B cells, T cells fail to recognize antigens in the absence of antigen presentation, with the important exception of the superantigens.
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