Abstract
We demonstrate experimentally that anthrax toxin complexes rupture artificial lipid bilayer membranes when isolated from the blood of infected animals. When the solution pH is temporally acidified to mimic that process in endosomes, recombinant anthrax toxin forms an irreversibly bound complex, which also destabilizes membranes. The results suggest an alternative mechanism for the translocation of anthrax toxin into the cytoplasm.
Publication types
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Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Antigens, Bacterial / genetics
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Antigens, Bacterial / toxicity*
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Bacterial Toxins / genetics
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Bacterial Toxins / toxicity*
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Blood Cells / drug effects
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Cell Membrane / drug effects*
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Endosomes / drug effects
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Guinea Pigs
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Haplorhini
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Humans
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Lipid Bilayers / chemistry*
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Membranes, Artificial
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Rabbits
Substances
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Antigens, Bacterial
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Bacterial Toxins
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Lipid Bilayers
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Membranes, Artificial
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anthrax toxin