Superantigen

{
  "id": "MLC-T-CHM-011587",
  "term": "Superantigen",
  "field": "Chemistry",
  "definition": "A class of antigens that activate a large fraction of T lymphocytes by binding simultaneously to the T-cell receptor and a major histocompatibility complex class II molecule outside the conventional antigen-binding groove. This non-specific activation leads to a massive release of cytokines, which can cause systemic toxicity and immune suppression. Bacterial toxins like staphylococcal enterotoxins are common superantigens.",
  "subject": "Chemistry and Human Health",
  "see_also": [
    "T lymphocyte",
    "T-cell receptor",
    "variable region"
  ],
  "references": [
    "PAC, 2012, 84, 1113. 'IUPAC glossary of terms used in immunotoxicology (IUPAC Recommendations 2012)' on page 1247 (https://doi.org/10.1351/PAC-REC-11-06-03)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/chemistry/superantigen/"
}