Anthrax protective antigen is a calcium-dependent serine protease
article
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. © 2018 The Author(s). Chemicals / CAS calcium, 7440-70-2, 14092-94-5; proprotein convertase 9; serine protease HTRA1; serine proteinase, 37259-58-8; anthrax toxin; Antigens, Bacterial; Bacterial Toxins; Calcium; Serine Proteases
Topics
TNO Identifier
843775
ISSN
21505594
Source
Virulence, 9(1), pp. 1085 - 1091.
Publisher
Taylor and Francis Inc.
Collation
8 p.
Pages
1085 - 1091
Files
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