anostica

I was wondering about why bacteria would have superantigens. I mean all
they really do is lead to a huge host immune response (bind to side of
the TC cell and MHC II [of APC] complex). But doesn't that in the end
hurt a bacteria more than help it? So why have a superantigen?

n10

You need a wider view. The molecules you mention do have antigenic capacity
true, that is perhapes fortuitous for immunno competant organisms which
bacteria may infect but I doubt by such molecules are antigenic by
"design".

Its therefore very doubfull that "antigenicity" is the primary biological
function of the molecules you mention.

Thank god for lifes little bonuses

N10