Molecular Mechanisms of Bacterial Superantigen Function
Abstract
Staphylococcal enterotoxins (SEs) are potential biological threat agents. Exposure to SEs can result in systemic shock and death of military personnel. Understanding the molecular mechanism of SEs function is a fundamental prerequisite for development of effective therapeutics and regimens for protection against the biological effects of SEs exposure. The enterotoxins, such as SEB, bind as folded proteins to both major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules on the surface of antigen presenting cells and germline-encoded variable domain sequences of specific T cell receptor (TCR) beta chain on T lymphocytes. The resulting activation of T cells contributes to several serious diseases and lethal toxic shock syndrome. In this proposal, the molecular bases for human TCR-SE-human MHC class II interaction will be addressed. A major advancement to the field will be in construction and preparation of a soluble form of human TCR protein in large quantities. Interaction of TCR with soluble human HLA-DR1 in complex with antigenic peptides and SEA and SEB will be examined. The interaction kinetics will be determined by the use of multiple methods that include real time detection of interactions by surface plasmon resonance.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA407222
Entities
People
- Scheherazade Sadegh-nasseri
Organizations
- Johns Hopkins University