What is the Mechanism by Which Toxic Shock Syndrome Toxin-1

Question

What is the mechanism by which toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 (TSST-1) causes TSS?
A) The bacteria release the toxin into the blood and it goes to the hypothalamus to produce an extremely high fever.
B) The bacteria release the toxin into the gastrointestinal system where phagocytes engulf the bacteria, leaving a pseudomembrane that irritates the colon.
C) The toxin is a superantigen that stimulates T-cell proliferation with production of large amounts of cytokines.
D) All of the above

Accepted Answer

TSST-1 is a superantigen that causes TSS by excessively stimulating T-cell proliferation and the production of large amounts of cytokines. This leads to systemic inflammation and tissue damage. The toxin does not go to the hypothalamus or gastrointestinal system.