Acta Med. 2002, 45: 3-5
Anthrax Toxin Characterization
The anthrax toxin comprises three proteins. When they work together, they can kill humans, especially after spores of the bacteria have been inhaled. One anthrax protein, called protective antigen (PA), chaperones the two other toxins into human or animal cells and shields them from the body’s immune system. The second, lethal factor (LF), destroys the white blood cells that hosts send in defence. The third toxin molecule, edema factor (EF), hijacks the signaling system in the body. This disrupts the energy balance of cells and leads to them accumulating fluid and complete destroy of cells.
Keywords
Bacillus anthracis, Anthrax toxin, Structure, Mechanism of action.
Funding
This study was supported by the grant of Ministry of Defense, project No. 6602129911.
References
Copyright
Published by the Karolinum Press. For permission to use please write to actamedica@lfhk.cuni.cz.
