title: T cell targeting by anthrax toxins: two faces of the same coin.
abstract: Bacillus anthracis, similar to other bacterial pathogens, has evolved effective immune evasion strategies to prolong its survival in the host, thus ensuring the unchecked spread of the infection. This function is subserved by lethal (LT) and edema (ET) toxins, two exotoxins produced by vegetative anthrax bacilli following germination of the spores. The structure of these toxins and the mechanism of cell intoxication are topics covered by other reviews in this issue. Here we shall discuss how B. anthracis uses LT and ET to suppress the immune defenses of the host, focusing on T lymphocytes, the key players in adaptive immunity. We shall also summarize recent findings showing that, depending on its concentration, ET has the ability not only to suppress T cell activation but also to promote the polarization of CD4(+) T cells to the Th2 and Th17 subsets, highlighting the potential use of this toxin as an immunomodulator.
authors: Department of Evolutionary Biology, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, 53100 Siena, Italy. silvia.rossi_paccani@novartis.com
authors: Silvia Rossi
authors: SR
authors: Paccani
authors: Cosima T
authors: CT
authors: Baldari
mesh_terms: D000942:Antigens, Bacterial / Q000633:toxicity*; D001408:Bacillus anthracis / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D001427:Bacterial Toxins / Q000633:toxicity*; D002633:Chemotaxis / Q000187:drug effects; D016207:Cytokines / Q000276:immunology; D054884:Host-Pathogen Interactions; D006801:Humans; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000187:drug effects; D008840:Microfilament Proteins; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface / Q000096:biosynthesis; D018000:Receptors, Peptide / Q000096:biosynthesis; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: C473287:ANTXR1 protein, human; C447150:ANTXR2 protein, human; D000942:Antigens, Bacterial; D001427:Bacterial Toxins; D016207:Cytokines; D008840:Microfilament Proteins; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface; D018000:Receptors, Peptide; C030325:anthrax toxin; C070309:anthrax toxin receptors