| Definition: |
A process by which a symbiont superantigen elicits a strong immune response by activating a large number of T cells in a non-specific manner. Unlike conventional antigens, which activate T cells by interacting with specific receptors on the surface of these cells, superantigens can stimulate T cells by binding to regions outside the antigen-binding site. Superantigens can activate a large proportion of T cells, leading to an exaggerated immune response. This excessive activation can result in the release of a large amount of cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor and interleukin-2. The massive cytokine release can lead to an acute toxic shock, causing symptoms such as fever and organ damage. |