Determination of C5a in murine models of staphylococcal enterotoxin B-induced toxic shock

Robust host innate immune response to staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) and structurally related superantigens causes toxic shock and various autoimmune diseases. While proinflammatory cytokines are known for mediating SEB-induced toxicity, the role of complement C5a in SEB-mediated shock is less well-understood. An ELISA was developed to measure the complement activation product, C5a, in different murine models of toxic shock. This assay provides easy, quantifiable data for complement activation and its role in various SEB-induced toxic shock models.