Question

What is a super-antigen?

Answer 1

Super antigens are a class of antigens that cause non specific activation of T-cells resulting in polyclonal T-cell activation and massive cytokine release.

Explanation:

Super antigens are microbial products that have the ability to promote massive activation of immune cells.

Compared to normal antigen induced T-cell response where about 0.001% of the body's T-cells are activated, super antigens are capable of activating up to 20% of the body's T-cells. Some super antigens (Anti CD3 and AntiCD28) are highly potent and may activate 100% of the T-cells.

Mass T-cell activation can cause severe life threatening symptoms, including hypotension, shock, organ failure and death.