The role of bacterial superantigens in skin diseases

Wioletta Barańska-Rybak; Małgorzata Sokołowska-Wojdyło; Magdalena Trzeciak; Igor Michajłowski; Agata Maciejewska-Radomska; Roman Nowicki; Jadwiga Roszkiewicz

eISSN: 2084-9893
ISSN: 0033-2526

Dermatology Review/Przegląd Dermatologiczny

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4/2009
vol. 96

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abstract:

Review paper

The role of bacterial superantigens in skin diseases

Wioletta Barańska-Rybak

,

Małgorzata Sokołowska-Wojdyło

,

Magdalena Trzeciak

,

Igor Michajłowski

,

Agata Maciejewska-Radomska

,

Roman Nowicki

,

Jadwiga Roszkiewicz

Przegl Dermatol 2009, 96, 301–304

Online publish date: 2009/09/01

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Superantigens are high-molecular-weight proteins comprising a group of molecules produced by various microorganisms. They are involved in pathogenesis of several human diseases (atopic eczema, toxic shock syndrome, psoriasis, Kawasaki disease). In contrast to conventional antigens, superantigens bypass intracellular processing and bind directly to the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecule, on the surface of the antigen processing cell, outside the antigen-binding groove. Superantigens are characterized by their capacity to stimulate a large number of T-cells. The superantigen then cross-links the MHC class II molecule on the antigen presenting cell with T-cells according to the composition of the variable region of the T-cell receptor Vb chain, leading to polyclonal T-cell activation and cytokine release. We present the current knowledge concerning the role of staphylococcal and streptococcal superantigens in some skin diseases.

keywords:

The role of bacterial superantigens in skin diseases

Wioletta Barańska-Rybak , Małgorzata Sokołowska-Wojdyło , Magdalena Trzeciak , Igor Michajłowski , Agata Maciejewska-Radomska , Roman Nowicki , Jadwiga Roszkiewicz

erythroderma, superantigens, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes

Wioletta Barańska-Rybak

,

Małgorzata Sokołowska-Wojdyło

,

Magdalena Trzeciak

,

Igor Michajłowski

,

Agata Maciejewska-Radomska

,

Roman Nowicki

,

Jadwiga Roszkiewicz