Question

Superantigens:

A. Do not cause pathology
B. Are not mitogenic for T-cells
C. Bind to MHC class II
D. Bind to all members of a given V beta T-cell receptor family
E. Have to be processed before recognition

Answer 1

The term superantigens are D. Bind to all members of a given V beta T-cell receptor family

Step-by-step explanation:

Superantigens are a type of antigen that bind to major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC II) molecules and the variable region of the T cell receptor (TCR) β chain. This binding occurs outside of the antigen-binding cleft of MHC II, allowing the superantigen to bridge and activate MHC II and TCR without specific foreign epitope recognition. The result is an excessive release of cytokines, leading to an uncontrolled inflammatory response known as a cytokine storm.

Superantigens bind to all members of a given V beta T-cell receptor family, regardless of the specificity of the antigen. This uncontrolled activation of T cells can result in severe pathological consequences. Therefore the correct answer is D. Bind to all members of a given V beta T-cell receptor family