Question

How do super antigens work? What is the S. aureus example covered in lecture?

A) They inhibit protein synthesis; S. aureus produces exotoxins that stimulate excessive cytokine release.
B) They enhance immune response; S. aureus produces a heat-stable toxin.
C) They disrupt cellular membranes; S. aureus produces endotoxins that stimulate cell proliferation.
D) They promote cellular division; S. aureus produces a heat-labile toxin.

Answer 1

Superantigens like the toxic shock syndrome toxin produced by S. aureus lead to an overstimulation of immune responses by triggering excessive cytokine release, resulting in potentially life-threatening conditions.

Step-by-step explanation:

Superantigens work by triggering an excessive, non-specific stimulation of immune cells, leading to an overproduction of cytokines. This excessive cytokine release can cause severe inflammatory responses and potentially life-threatening symptoms such as high fevers, low blood pressure, and multi-organ failure. The example of S. aureus covered in lectures typically involves the production of toxic shock syndrome toxin (TSST), a well-known superantigen. This toxin can cause toxic shock syndrome, characterized by symptoms like high fever, shock, and multi-organ failure.

In the context of the student's question, the correct answer is B) They enhance immune response; S. aureus produces a heat-stable toxin. This speaks to the mechanism of superantigens in general and the specific interaction with the immune system, which leads to the overstimulation of cytokine release.