Lectins and superantigens: membrane interactions of these compounds with T lymphocytes affect immune responses

Int J Biochem. 1993 Jun;25(6):845-52. doi: 10.1016/0020-711x(93)90239-b.

Abstract

1. Lectins and superantigens belong to two different families of macromolecules which are able to interact with cells of the immune system. 2. The principal mechanisms by which they modulate immune responses are presented in this review. 3. Possible similarities shared by these proteins and their common mechanisms of action upon immunocytes will be presented along with a brief discussion regarding the role of these molecules in physiological immune responses and human diseases.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antigens, Bacterial / immunology*
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class II / immunology
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Cellular
  • Lectins / immunology*
  • Lectins / metabolism
  • Lymphocyte Activation
  • Minor Lymphocyte Stimulatory Antigens / immunology*
  • Minor Lymphocyte Stimulatory Antigens / metabolism
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • T-Lymphocytes / metabolism
  • Thymus Gland / immunology

Substances

  • Antigens, Bacterial
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class II
  • Lectins
  • Minor Lymphocyte Stimulatory Antigens
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell