Superantigens are bacterial toxins that can activate T cells at a much higher rate than other antigens. They do this by binding to both the T cell receptor and a major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecule on antigen-presenting cells, leading to the activation of a large number of T cells at once. This can cause an excessive immune response and lead to serious health consequences, such as toxic shock syndrome.

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Superantigens Are

Question 36

Multiple Choice

Superantigens are

A) body tissues that the immune system mistakes as foreign.
B) cell markers found in some member of a species but not in other members.
C) bacterial toxins that activate T cells at a 100 times greater rate than other antigens.
D) those that evoke allergic reactions.
E) None of the choices is correct.

Correct Answer: