NCIt definition : A bacterial enterotoxin with potential immunostimulatory activity. Staphylococcal
enterotoxin B (SEB), a gram positive superantigen produced by Staphylococcus aureus,
is a potent stimulator of T-cell activation. SEB binds directly to class II major
histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules and the V beta region of the T-cell receptor
(TCR), leading to an amplified T-cell response. In response to SEB, both CD4 and
CD8 cells proliferate, secrete cytokines and demonstrate enhanced cytotoxic activity
against a broad range of antigens. Co-administration of SEB with interleukin-2 (IL-2)
by direct injection into tumor cells, may induce clonal T-cell expansion and potentiate
apoptosis of tumor cells, resulting in decreased tumor growth.;
Alternative definition : CDISC: The biotoxin Staphylococcal enterotoxin B.;