Which of the following best describes the mechanism of action of a superantigen produced by *Staphylococcus aureus* or *Streptococcus pyogenes*?

✓ Correct Answer: Option C

Superantigens bypass normal antigen presentation by binding directly to MHC class II molecules on antigen-presenting cells and the V-beta regions of T-cell receptors, leading to massive, non-specific T-cell activation and cytokine release.