Superantigens of gram-positive bacteria: structure-function analyses and their implications for biological activity

Abstract

Just as we thought that we know everything about superantigens, new molecular and structural studies indicate that we have only just begun to unravel the secrets of these fascinating molecules. Recent structure-function analysis of superantigens from Gram-positive bacteria, with emphasis on their interaction with major histocompatibility complex molecules, could help us decipher the role of superantigens in disease, identify host factors that potentiate their effects and design drugs that specifically block their activity.