Staphylococcal superantigens are potent activators of T cells, causing toxic shock syndrome and death. But surprisingly few staphylococcal infections of humans are associated with TSS, even though the bacteria produce the superantigen toxins. Joaquin Madrenas and his colleagues report that other components of the bacteria can downregulate the superantigen-induced T cell activation, protecting the host from death by TSS.
- Thu A Chau
- Michelle L McCully
- Joaquín Madrenas
