Final answer:
Superantigens like those produced by Staphylococcus aureus lead to uncontrolled T cell activation and a cytokine storm, resulting in conditions like toxic shock syndrome characterized by systemic shock and multi-organ failure.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Superantigens
Superantigens are a class of exotoxins that can cause an excessive immune response known as a cytokine storm. This unregulated activation of T cells is due to their ability to simultaneously bind MHC II molecules on Antigen-Presenting Cells (APCs) and the variable region of the T Cell Receptor (TCR) ß chain, bypassing the normal specificity of antigen recognition.
Example of S. aureus Superantigens
Staphylococcus aureus produces a superantigen known as toxic shock syndrome toxin (TSST). This can lead to toxic shock syndrome, a condition marked by high fever, low blood pressure, and multi-organ failure. The pathogenicity of S. aureus is also enhanced by its ability to produce enzymes like coagulase and proteins like Protein A, which contributes to its virulence.