This invention relates to compositions and methods for providing protection against, or reducing the severity of, toxic shock syndrome, septic shock, food poisoning, and autoimmune diseases which are associated with toxin producing bacteria. This invention also relates to methods of using peptides, derivatives, mimetics, and antibodies for the prevention and treatment of toxic shock syndrome, septic shock, food poisoning, and autoimmune diseases, and other related diseases, conditions, and syndromes.