What happens to the immune system if superantigens are present during an infection?

The presence of superantigens during an infection leads to a hyper-activated state of the immune system. Superantigens can bind to MHC class II molecules and T-cell receptors in a way that is independent of the specific peptide being presented. This causes a massive, non-specific activation of T-cells, resulting in the proliferation of a large number of T-cells. Instead of the normal targeted immune response against specific pathogens, superantigens activate a wide range of T-cells that release large amounts of cytokines. This excessive cytokine release can lead to conditions like cytokine storms, which may cause significant inflammation and potentially harmful effects in the body, such as shock or multi-organ failure.

In this context, the immune response is not just overactive but can become dysregulated, which is why understanding the role of superantigens is crucial in the study of certain infections and their associated complications. The hyper-activated immune state induced by superantigens ultimately shifts the immune response away from its normal functionality, which is tailored to fight specific infections.