Increased surface toll-like receptor 2 expression in superantigen shock.

The article examines the interaction between Gram-positive bacterial superantigens and toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) in health and critical illness. The authors report that superantigens up-regulate monocyte surface TLR2 expression through major histocompatibility complex class II signaling. The authors add that enhanced surface TLR2 expression may be a specific feature of patients with Streptococcus pyogenes-induce shock.