[Superantigens and vasculitis].

Abstract

Superantigens are microbial products, that may activate in a polyclonal way, a high number of T lymphocytes bearing a specific VB segment of TCR; the best characterized are staphylococcal and streptogenic toxins. In a review of the literature, we summarize the role of these superantigens in primitive vasculitis, specially in Kawasaki syndrome and Wegener's granulomatosis. This pathogenic model highlights the complex relations between infection and autoimmunity.