Superantigen Protocols, Softcover reprint of the original 1st ed. 2003 Methods in Molecular Biology Series, Vol. 214

Superantigen Protocols assembles experimental protocols that have proved useful for the study of superantigens. These techniques will allow researchers from various areas of cell biology, microbiology, immunology, biochemistry, and molecular biology to assess the physical characteristics and biological effects of well-known superantigens as well as of putative substances that might have superantigenic activities, and to explore therapies for superantig- induced effects. Microbial exotoxins have been studied for decades as virulence factors because of their pathogenic effects. The term “superantigen” was coined by Marrack and Kappler a decade ago for some of these molecules because of their potent T-cell stimulatory activities. In recent years, advances in mole- lar biology provide recombinant as well as natural superantigens in highly purified form for physical characterization. Superantigens are now used extensively as tools to study interactions between receptors on cells of the immune system as they bind to major histocompatibility complex class II m- ecules on antigen-presenting cells and V regions of T-cell receptors. The b- ? logical effects that result from these interactions are studied both in vitro and in vivo. The intent of this book is, therefore, to bring together up-to-date te- niques developed by experts in the field of biochemistry, immunology, and molecular biology for the study of superantigens. Superantigen Protocols begins with an overview of the field to provide background information on the various classes of superantigens and their str- ture.

Superantigens.- Expression, Purification, and Detection of Novel Streptococcal Superantigens.- Flow Cytometric Detection of MMTV Superantigens.- Spectrophotometric Methods for the Determination of Superantigen Structure and Stability.- Binding Kinetics of Superantigen with TCR and MHC Class II.- Directed Evolution of T-Cell Receptors for Binding Superantigens.- Analysis of Superantigen Binding to Soluble T-Cell Receptors.- Role of Accessory Molecules in the Superantigen-Induced Activation of Peripheral Blood T Cells.- T-Lymphocyte Activation Induced by Staphylococcal Enterotoxin Superantigens.- Measurement of Proinflammatory Cytokines and T-Cell Proliferative Response in Superantigen-Activated Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells.- RNase Protection Assay for the Study of the Differential Effects of Therapeutic Agents in Suppressing Staphylococcal Enterotoxin B-Induced Cytokines in Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells.- Staining Protocol for Superantigen-Induced Cytokine Production Studied at the Single-Cell Level.- Assessment of Specific T-Cell Activation by Superantigens.- Superantigen-Induced Changes in Epithelial Ion Transport and Barrier Function.- Pyrogenic, Lethal, and Emetic Properties of Superantigens in Rabbits and Primates.

Includes supplementary material: sn.pub/extras