Superantigen Protocols

• 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.

"...sufficient experimental detail is provided so as to allow experienced investigators to use the described techniques. A suitable bibliography accompanies each chapter. Beyond their involvement in human pathology, the molecular mechanism of action of this class of molecules (binding both to antigen presenting cells and T-lymphocytes) may provide useful clues regarding human immune responses. Accordingly, this book is a timely and relevant contribution...Each of the protocols is adequately described and contains sufficient references to allow an investigator to refer to original sources. The different aspects of superantigen biology are covered as are effects on animals. " -Doody's Health Sciences Book Review Journal "I found this book an excellent resource that would be extremely valuable in setting up methods to assess bacterial superantigens." -Pharmaceutical Research "...a must for the superantigen laboratory shelves and recommended to those interested in applying some of the interesting and powerful techniques to their own research." - Immunology and Cell Biology