role of superantigens in aids may have therapeutic implications

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4 VIEWS & REVIEWS Role ofsuperantigem in AIDS may have therapeutic implicatiom The possibility that a superantigen may be involved in the pathogenesis of AIDS is the focus of current research. and may open the way for new therapeutic protocols for the management of this conditio n. This has been discussed by Dr LR Bisset and colleagues from Switzerland. They have reviewed evidence that suggests a role for superantigens in AIDS; this comes from animal and in vitro studies. as well as from direct evidence for selective T cell alteration during HlV infection. Dr Bisset and colleagues comment that if a superantigen facet to the pathogenesis of AIDS is confirmed, one possible therapeutic implication may be to use antibodies to block superantigen-mcdiatcd cell stimulation; they add that this may have the advantage of maintaining infected cells in the quiescent stale and preventing proviral integration. Bisset L.R. roen w, Grob Pl. SI.Ipcr1UItips: role 1/1 the patbogenesisof AIDS and impliatioDs for lhenpy, Clinical 3: ]·1. J ... 1995 ........ 015&-27O:W5I0971.ooD4t'$Ol .or:I' Ad'- LImiW 11M15. All riSlhta

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Page 1: Role of superantigens in AIDS may have therapeutic implications

4 VIEWS & REVIEWS

Role ofsuperantigem in AIDS may have therapeutic implicatiom

The possibility that a superantigen may be involved in the pathogenesis of AIDS is the focus of current research. and may open the way for new therapeutic protocols for the management of this condition.

This has been discussed by Dr LR Bisset and colleagues from Switzerland. They have reviewed evidence that suggests a role for superantigens in AIDS; this comes from animal and in vitro studies. as well as from direct evidence for selective T cell alteration during HlV infection.

Dr Bisset and colleagues comment that if a superantigen facet to the pathogenesis of AIDS is confirmed, one possible the rapeutic implication may be to use antibodies to block superantigen-mcdiatcd cell stimulation; they add that this may have the advantage of maintaining infected cells in the quiescent stale and preventing proviral integration. Bisset L.R. roen w, Grob Pl . SI.Ipcr1UItips: role 1/1 the patbogenesisof AIDS and

impliatioDs for lhenpy, Clinical ~ 3: ]·1. J ... 1995 ........

015&-27O:W5I0971.ooD4t'$Ol .or:I' Ad'-~I LImiW 11M15. All riSlhta ~