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. 1995 Feb;63(2):423–429. doi: 10.1128/iai.63.2.423-429.1995

Staphylococcal enterotoxin A and toxic shock syndrome toxin compete with CD4 for human major histocompatibility complex class II binding.

S Bavari 1, R G Ulrich 1
PMCID: PMC173012  PMID: 7822006

Abstract

We have examined the role of the CD4 molecule in primary T-lymphocyte responses to the staphylococcal enterotoxins SEA, SEB, SEC1, and the toxic shock syndrome toxin TSST-1. Proliferating cells were predominantly CD4+; however, the responses to SEA and TSST-1 were most sensitive to inhibition by the anti-CD4 antibody Leu-3a. T-lymphocyte responses to the bacterial superantigens were inhibited by site-directed mutations of residues in the DR beta membrane-proximal domain (DR beta 2) that are also known to be important for interactions with CD4. SEA and TSST-1 binding to DR was reduced by the DR beta 2 mutations and by competition with soluble recombinant CD4. We propose that bacterial superantigens sequentially, or simultaneously with CD4, stabilize complexes of T-cell antigen receptors and major histocompatibility complex class II molecules. The superantigen qualities of these toxins may be due, in part, to a molecular mimicry of CD4 and other adhesion molecules.

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Selected References

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