B. anthracis lethal toxin

Introduction

One of two molecular complexes (edema toxin & lethal toxin) formed from exotoxins of the Bacillus anthracis virulence plasmid pXO1. The complex is formed from lethal factor & protective antigen. The complex facilitates entry of the toxin into host cells. Lethal toxin stimulates macrophages to release TNF-alpha & IL-1 beta which are partly responsible for the sudden death in anthrax.

More general terms

• molecular complex
• exotoxin

Additional terms

• B. anthracis edema toxin
• Bacillus anthracis
• interleukin-1 beta; IL-1 beta; catabolin (IL1B, IL1F2)
• tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-alpha; tumor necrosis factor ligand superfamily member 2; cachectin (TNF, TNFA, TNFSF2)