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The toxins produced by staphylococci are also recognized as superantigens. A regular viral infection will trigger the activation of around 0.0001% of the body's natural killer cells (T cells), which is enough to destroy the virus. However, contracting bacteria that secrete superantigens leads to the activation of 5-20% of the body's T cells. Such a strong immune response will typically result in illness, which typically entails fever and extreme nausea. Superantigens are also well-known for causing toxic symptoms, as in toxic shock syndrome. There's also some speculation as to whether superantigens can trigger autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis.
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