Superantigens and Their Implication in Immunology

Abstract

　A pathologist's view on superantigens is presented. Recent findings on exogenous and endogenous superantigens are reviewed. The author's own work on discovery of nonspecific mitogens in streptococcal culture filtrate, erythrogenic toxins as superantigens, antimitogen assay of human sera, and its application to study on the etiology of Kawasaki disease are briefly described. Superantigens seem to be a counterat tack by unicellular microorganisms against the immune system that has been evolved by multicellular organisms including men. Such an interpretation of meaning may provide a clue to further progress of research if presented as testable.