Clonal deletion of T cell repertoires with specific T cell receptor Vß chains by two endogenous superantigens in NC/Nga mice.

ABSTRACT

Superantigens (SAgs) are powerful T-cell stimulatory proteins. Because an atopic dermatitis (AD) model NC/Nga mice had two endogenous SAgs, namely minor lymphocyte-stimulating locus-1a (Mls-1a) and mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV)(SHN), SAg-responsive T-cells bearing Vß5.1, Vß6, Vß8.1, Vß8.2, Vß8.3, Vß9, and Vß11 should be endogenously deleted. Here, we discuss that the endogenous SAgs-expression may be involved in AD-sensitivity in NC/Nga mice.