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.
Patocka
Jirí
J
Department of Toxicology, Purkynĕ Military Medical Academy, Hradec Králové.
Splino
Miroslav
M
D000818:Animals; D000942:Antigens, Bacterial; D001408:Bacillus anthracis / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D001427:Bacterial Toxins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000633:toxicity; D006801:Humans
D000942:Antigens, Bacterial; D001427:Bacterial Toxins; C030325:anthrax toxin