The role of bacterial superantigens in sepsis and treatment implications

Abstract

Toxic shock syndrome and septic shock are still among t e most life-threatening syndromes affecting humans. Both have high morbidity and mortality rates. Based on the well-known observation that superantigen toxins and lipopolysaccharides are highly synergistic when administered n combination, we have proposed a 'two-hit' model to explain these syndromes. Using synthetic peptides derived from regions common to all the family of staphylococcal and streptococcal superantigens, we can block all the biologic and lethal effects of these toxins in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, antibodies raised against these polymerized peptides can passively protect the lethal effects of toxin-polysaccharide co..