Toxins 2010, 2(7), 1898-1912; doi:10.3390/toxins2071898
Review

The Systemic and Pulmonary Immune Response to Staphylococcal Enterotoxins

Sanjeev Kumaremail, Antoine Ménoretemail, Soo-Mun Ngoiemail and Anthony T. Vella* email
Department of Immunology-MC3710, University of Connecticut Heath Center, 263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
* Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Received: 21 June 2010 / Accepted: 12 July 2010 / Published: 21 July 2010
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Enterotoxins)
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Abstract: In response to environmental cues the human pathogen Staphylococcus aureus synthesizes and releases proteinaceous enterotoxins. These enterotoxins are natural etiologic entities of severe food poisoning, toxic shock syndrome, and acute diseases. Staphylococcal enterotoxins are currently listed as Category B Bioterrorism Agents by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. They are associated with respiratory illnesses, and may contribute to exacerbation of pulmonary disease. This likely stems from the ability of Staphylococcal enterotoxins to elicit powerful episodes of T cell stimulation resulting in release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Here, we discuss the role of the immune system and potential mechanisms of disease initiation and progression.
Keywords: superantigen; T cells; staphylococcal enterotoxins

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Cite This Article

MDPI and ACS Style

Kumar, S.; Ménoret, A.; Ngoi, S.-M.; Vella, A.T. The Systemic and Pulmonary Immune Response to Staphylococcal Enterotoxins. Toxins 2010, 2, 1898-1912.

AMA Style

Kumar S, Ménoret A, Ngoi S-M, Vella AT. The Systemic and Pulmonary Immune Response to Staphylococcal Enterotoxins. Toxins. 2010; 2(7):1898-1912.

Chicago/Turabian Style

Kumar, Sanjeev; Ménoret, Antoine; Ngoi, Soo-Mun; Vella, Anthony T. 2010. "The Systemic and Pulmonary Immune Response to Staphylococcal Enterotoxins." Toxins 2, no. 7: 1898-1912.

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