ABSTRACT
Superantigens require interaction with the class II MHC molecules on antigen presenting cells
(APCs) for maximal T cell proliferation, but processing by APCs is not necessary (I). Superantigens appear to be able to interact with nearly any class II MHC molecule, but some
interaction preference is seen, in particular, interaction with HLA DR molecules is preferred. Superantigens interact with the T cell receptor outside of the typical antigenic peptide groove
and dependent on the composition of the ~ chain of the variable region of the T cell receptor complex (V~ TCR). Thus, for example, TSST-1 stimulates V~2 containing T cells to proliferate in TSS patients such that 60-70% of the patients' peripheral blood T cells are V~2 (9).
