SUPERANTIGEN ENGINEERING

Bacterial superantigens are extremely potent activators of the immune system. Their ability to efficiently cross-link molecules of the major histocompatibility complex class II and T-cell receptors causes the n ormal antigen specificity of each receptor to be bypassed. Two well ch aracterized superantigens are the staphylococcal enterotoxins A and B. Data from mutagenesis studies in combination with recent structural i nformation allow the definition of the surfaces on these superantigens involved in the binding of either type of receptor. Wild-type and eng ineered mutants of these superantigens have been used to modulate the activity of cells in the immune system, in an attempt to develop thera peutics applications.