The invention relates to peptides comprising an
amino acid sequence homologous to the amino sequence of a fragment of a pyrogenic
exotoxin, and functional derivatives of said peptides, capable of eliciting
protective immunity against toxic shock induced by a pyrogenic
exotoxin or by a mixture of pyrogenic exotoxins. Preferred peptides comprise an
amino acid sequence homologous to the amino sequence of a fragment of Staphylococcal aureus
enterotoxin B (SEB). The invention also relates to
broad spectrum pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment, protection against or short term prophylaxis of
toxin-mediated activation of T cells, comprising as
active ingredient at least one
peptide according to the invention or derivative thereof, and to
broad spectrum vaccines for conferring long term
immunity against toxic shock induced by at least one pyrogenic
exotoxin are provided. The vaccines comprising as
active ingredient at least one
peptide according to the invention, or derivative thereof.