Fig. 3: Binding of Superantigens

Conventional antigens are only recognized by specific T4-lymphocytes having a TCR with a shape that corresponds to a peptide of that antigen bound to MHC-II molecules. Superantigens, on the other hand, bind directly to the outside of MHC-II molecules and the TCRs and activate many T4-lymphocytes. A specific TCR is not required for activation.

Illustration of Binding of Superantigens .jpg by Gary E. Kaiser, Ph.D.
Professor of Microbiology, The Community College of Baltimore County, Catonsville Campus
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Based on a work at https://cwoer.ccbcmd.edu/science/microbiology/index_gos.html.

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Last updated: Feb., 2021
Please send comments and inquiries to Dr. Gary Kaiser