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Microbial superantigens as etiopathogenic agents in autoimmunity.

A recently characterized group of immunologically active microbial products, termed superantigens, may provide the etiopathogenic link between antecedent infection and the subsequent development of autoimmunity in the genetically susceptible host. In this article, the authors review the cellular interactions that underlie autoimmune disease and emphasize the central role played by T lymphocytes. Based on the unique properties of the superantigen and data derived from experimental animal models and clinical studies of human autoimmune disease, a hypothesis that these molecules could trigger both systemic and organ-specific autoimmunity was developed.