Superantigens and SARS-CoV-2

2022/03/23 by Adam Hamdy, Anthony Leonardi · 1 voice · 18 citations
Medicine · #Antigen #Biology #COVID-19 Clinical Research Studies #Context (archaeology) #Immune system #Immunology #Pathogen #Respiratory viral infections research #SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 Research #Superantigen #T cell #Vaccination #Virology

paper · pdf · doi:10.3390/pathogens11040390

published in Pathogens 11(4), 390 (Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute)

openalex publication_date 2022/03/23 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/30

Abstract

It has been posited SARS-CoV-2 contains at least one unique superantigen-like motif not found in any other SARS or endemic coronaviruses. Superantigens are potent antigens that can send the immune system into overdrive. SARS-CoV-2 causes many of the biological and clinical consequences of a superantigen, and, in the context of reinfection and waning immunity, it is important to better understand the impact of a widely circulating, airborne pathogen that may be a superantigen, superantigen-like or trigger a superantigenic host response. Urgent research is needed to better understand the long-term risks being taken by governments whose policies enable widespread transmission of a potential superantigenic pathogen, and to more clearly define the vaccination and public health policies needed to protect against the consequences of repeat exposure to the pathogen.

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Discussions

• Paging Dr Leonardi @fitterhappieraj.bsky.social doi.org/10.3390/path... [bsky, 46 points, 3 comments]

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