Anthrax Toxin

reportActive / Technical Report | Accession Number: ADA148936 | Open PDF

Abstract:

Anthrax toxin is a key virulence factor of Bacillus anthracis. The three protein components of the toxin have been purified and shown to have similar molecular weights protective antigen PA, 85,000 lethal factor LF, 83,000 edema factor EF, 89,000. The edema factors acts by reusing the concentration of cAMP in animal cells, and subsequently EF was found to be a calmodulin-dependent adenylate cyclase. The similarity of EF to Bordetella pertussis and eukaryotic cyclases suggests that the anthrax EF gene may have originated in animals. The lethal factor causes death in rats in as little as 38 minutes. No cultured cells are known which are rapidly damaged by LF.

Author(s):
Leppla, Stephen H. ; Ivins, Bruce E. ; Ezzell, John W., Jr.
Author Organization(s):
ARMY MEDICAL RESEARCH INST OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES FORT DETRICK MD
Supplementary Note:
DOI: 10.21236/ADA148936
Pagination:
0016

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution:
Approved For Public Release

RECORD

Collection: TR
Identifying Numbers
Task Number(s):
AA
Project Number(s):
3M263763D807
Monitor Series:
USAMRIID
 Subject Terms
Joint Capability Areas:
JCA_1_Force Support; JCA_1.3_Human Capital Management; JCA_1.3.2_Personnel Management; JCA_3.2_Engagement; JCA_3_Force Application; JCA_5_Command and Control; JCA_5.3_Planning; JCA_6_Net Centric; JCA_8.1.1_Inform Domestic and Foreign Audiences; JCA_8.1_Communicate; JCA_8_Building Partnerships
Communities of Interest:
No COI(s) Identified
Descriptor(s):
*ANTHRAX, *BACTERIAL TOXINS, *BACILLUS ANTHRACIS, RATS, TOXICITY, LETHALITY, VIRULENCE, ANTIGENS, BIOASSAY, BORDETELLA PERTUSSIS, EDEMA
Field(s)/Group(s):
Microbiology
Keyword(s):
PE63763A, WU011, AS807
Report Date:
1984 Oct 26