Definition

Superantigens

Superantigens are exotoxins that trigger a nonspecific stimulation of immune cells to secrete cytokines. The overproduction of cytokines, known as a cytokine storm, triggers a strong immune and inflammatory response that can lead to life-threatening conditions such as high fevers, low blood pressure, multi-organ failure, shock, and death.

0

1

Updated 2026-05-02

Tags

Biomedical Sciences

Ch.3 The Cell - Microbiology @ OpenStax

OpenStax

Microbiology @ OpenStax

Ch.1 An Invisible World - Microbiology @ OpenStax

Ch.15 Microbial Mechanisms of Pathogenicity - Microbiology @ OpenStax