staphylococcal enterotoxin C

Staphylococcal enterotoxin C (SEC) is a protein exotoxin produced by *Staphylococcus aureus* and is one of the most common causes of foodborne intoxications (staphylococcal food poisoning). It acts as both an emetic toxin and a superantigen. As a superantigen, it binds to major histocompatibility complex class II molecule on antigen-presenting cells and activates large numbers of CD4+ T cells, leading to massive cytokine release and inflammatory responses. This mechanism underlies its role in diseases such as toxic shock syndrome and gastrointestinal inflammation. There are at least four subtypes (SEC-1 to SEC-4), each associated with different disease profiles; for example, some are linked to menstrual toxic shock syndrome while others are associated with severe pneumonia or mastitis[1][2][5]. The toxin’s emetic activity is attributed to its structural features—specifically a disulfide loop critical for inducing vomiting[1]. In addition to human disease, it plays an important role in animal health (notably bovine mastitis)[4]. Mutated or detoxified forms have been studied as potential vaccine candidates against toxic shock syndrome[8].

Other names

staphylococcal enterotoxin Centerotoxin C