symbiont-mediated non-specific activation of host T-cells

Term ID

GO:0141128

Synonyms

• symbiont-mediated non-specific T-cell activation in host
• symbiont-mediated nonspecific activation of host T-cells

Definition

A process by which a symbiont superantigen elicits a strong immune response by activating a large number of T cells in a non-specific manner. Unlike conventional antigens, which activate T cells by interacting with specific receptors on the surface of these cells, superantigens can stimulate T cells by binding to regions outside the antigen-binding site. Superantigens can activate a large proportion of T cells, leading to an exaggerated immune response. This excessive activation can result in the release of a large amount of cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor and interleukin-2. The massive cytokine release can lead to an acute toxic shock, causing symptoms such as fever and organ damage. (3)

References

Ontology

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