Staphylococcal enterotoxins

Definition

Staphylococcal enterotoxins are exotoxins produced by Staphylococcus aureus that cause gastrointestinal illness. They function as superantigens, inducing an intense immune response.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Staphylococcal enterotoxins bind directly to MHC class II molecules and T-cell receptors, bypassing normal antigen processing.
2. They can activate a large proportion of T cells, leading to massive cytokine release and systemic effects.
3. These enterotoxins are heat-stable and resistant to digestive enzymes, making them potent even after cooking.
4. Common symptoms of staphylococcal enterotoxin ingestion include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain within hours of consumption.
5. They play a role in certain autoimmune diseases due to their ability to trigger excessive immune responses.

Review Questions

• How do staphylococcal enterotoxins interact with the immune system?
• What makes staphylococcal enterotoxins resistant to heat and digestive enzymes?
• What is the primary health impact of ingesting staphylococcal enterotoxins?

Related terms

Superantigen: A class of antigens that result in excessive activation of the immune system.

MHC Class II Molecules: Proteins on antigen-presenting cells that present antigens for recognition by CD4+ T cells.

Cytokine Storm:

An overproduction of immune cells and their activating compounds (cytokines), often associated with severe inflammation and tissue damage.