Anthrax protective antigen is a calcium-dependent serine protease

作者:Storm Lisanne; Bikker Floris J; Nazmi Kamran; Hulst Albert G; der Riet Van Oeveren Debora V; Veerman Enno C I; Hays John P; Kaman Wendy E*
来源:Virulence, 2018, 9(1): 1085-1091.
DOI:10.1080/21505594.2018.1486139

摘要

Bacillus anthracis secretes a three component exotoxin-complex, which contributes to anthrax pathogenesis. Formation of this complex starts with the binding of protective antigen (PA) to its cellular receptor. In this study, we report that PA is a calcium-dependent serine protease and that the protein potentially uses this proteolytic activity for receptor binding. Additionally our findings shed new light on previous research describing the inhibition of anthrax toxins and exotoxin formation. Importantly, inhibition of the proteolytic activity of protective antigen could be a novel therapeutic strategy in fighting B. anthracis-related infections.

  • 出版日期2018