Superantigens and autoimmune disease: are they involved?

In over 10 years since the definition of superantigens, much has been learn ed about host cell-superantigen interactions. The initial simple set of rul es used to define these interactions has given way to a more complex system , in which the activation of multiple cell types can occur as a consequence of superantigen-cell interactions or as a result of bystander effects base d on the induction of a specific cytokine milieu. As a consequence, our ide as concerning the ways in which superantigens might be involved in disease are also expanding rapidly. This review highlights some of the many differe nt pathways of superantigen-associated pathogenesis currently under investi gation. Curr Opin Infect Dis 12:213-219. (C) 1999 Lippincott Williams & Wil kins.