B. anthracis edema factor (EF)

Introduction

A calmodulin-dependent adenylate cyclase, an exotoxin of Bacillus anthracis, encoded on the virulence plasmid pXO1. It complexes with another B anthracis exotoxin protective antigen. The complex (edema toxin) facilitates entry of the toxin into host cells. Intracellularly, the adenylate cyclase activity perturbs water homeostasis resulting is massive edema.

More general terms

• adenyl cyclase, adenylyl cyclase or adenylate cyclase
• exotoxin

Additional terms

• B. anthracis edema toxin
• Bacillus anthracis