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Staphylococcal superantigens interact with multiple host receptors to cause serious diseases

  • IMMUNOLOGY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF IOWA
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Abstract

Staphylococcus aureus strains that cause human diseases produce a large family of pyrogenic toxin superantigens (SAgs). These include toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 (TSST-1), the staphylococcal enterotoxins (SEs), and the SE-like proteins; to date, 23 staphylococcal SAgs have been described. Among the SAgs, three have been highly associated with human diseases (TSST-1, SEB, and SEC), likely because they are produced in high concentrations compared to other SAgs. Another major family of exotoxins produced by S. aureus is the cytolysins, particularly α-, β-, γ-, and δ-toxins, phenol soluble modulins, and leukocidins. This review discusses the association of SAgs with human diseases and particularly the “outside-in” signaling mechanism that leads to SAg-associated diseases. We discuss SAg interactions with three host immune cell receptors, including variable regions of the β-chain of the T cell receptor, MHC II α- and/or β-chains, and an epithelial/endothelial cell receptor that may include CD40. To a lesser extent, we discuss the role of cytolysins in facilitating disease production by SAgs.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Microbiology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, 51 Newton Road, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA

    Christopher S. Stach, Alfa Herrera & Patrick M. Schlievert

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  1. Christopher S. Stach
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  2. Alfa Herrera
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  3. Patrick M. Schlievert
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Correspondence to Patrick M. Schlievert.

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Stach, C.S., Herrera, A. & Schlievert, P.M. Staphylococcal superantigens interact with multiple host receptors to cause serious diseases. Immunol Res 59, 177–181 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12026-014-8539-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12026-014-8539-7

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