Staphylococcal exfoliative toxin (exfoliatin A) reacts in the human body as a superantigen. Intoxication with this means: A) polyclonal T-cell stimulation by overriding the normal route of antigen presentation B) monoclonal B-cell stimulation without T-cell signaling C) direct overactivation of T_H1 cells, causing a T_C cell response only D) dramatic down-regulation in genes that control all cells producing pro-inflammatory cytokines E) decreased antigen presentation by the antigen-presenting cells, followed by autoantibody formation

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Staphylococcal exfoliative toxin acts as a superantigen, which means it is able to override the normal route of antigen presentation and stimulate a polyclonal T-cell response. This can result in the release of large amounts of pro-inflammatory cytokines and a systemic inflammatory response.

Staphylococcal Exfoliative Toxin (Exfoliatin A) Reacts in the Human Body