ANTHRAX TOXINS

(1) (Anthrax edema factor) Multi-subunit toxin produced by Bacillus anthracis. Active subunit is a calmodulin-dependent adenylyl cyclase.

(2) Anthrax lethal toxin (LeTx) Toxin responsible for the shock-like effects of infection with Bacillus anthracis. Two subunits, protective antigen (PA, 83 kD) and lethal factor (LF, 90 kD). PA binds to the target cell, is proteolytically cleaved to a 63 kD subunit that then oligomerises to form a ring that allows LF access to the cytoplasm. LF acts on macrophages to induce a massive oxidative burst and also the release of IL-1 b and TNF a followed by lysis of the cell.