The Effects of Anthrax Toxin Components on Human Neutrophils Infection and Immunity
Abstract
The virulence of Bacillus anthracis has been attributed to a tripartite toxin composed of three proteins designated protective antigen (PA), lethal factor (LF), and edema factor (EF). The effects of the toxin components on human PMN phagocytosis and oxidative metabolism, as measured by chemiluminescence (CL), were studied in vitro. Initially, it was determined that the avirulent Sterne strain of B. anthracis (radiation killed) required opsonization with either serum complement or antibodies against Sterne cell wall in order to be phagocytized. Phagocytosis of the opsonized Sterne cells was not affected by the individual anthrax toxin components. However, a combination of PA and EF inhibited Sterne cell phagocytosis and blocked both particulate and soluble induced PMN CL. These PMN effects were reversible upon removal of the toxin components. The PA and EF combination also increased intracellular cAMP levels. These studies suggest that two of the protein components of anthrax toxin, EF and PA, increase host susceptibility to infection by suppressing PMN function and impairing host resistance.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 13, 1984
- Accession Number
- ADA144757
Entities
People
- A. Friedlander
- J. C. O'brien
- J. Ezzell
- S. Leppla
- T. Drier
Organizations
- United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases