Bacillus anthracis' lethal toxin induces broad transcriptional responses in human peripheral monocytes.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Anthrax lethal toxin (LT), produced by the Gram-positive bacterium Bacillus anthracis, is a highly effective zinc dependent metalloprotease that cleaves the N-terminus of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinases (MAPKK or MEKs) and is known to play a role in impairing the host immune system during an inhalation anthrax infection. Here, we present the transcriptional responses of LT treated human monocytes in order to further elucidate the mechanisms of LT inhibition on the host immune system.

Results

Western Blot analysis demonstrated cleavage of endogenous MEK1 and MEK3 when human monocytes were treated with 500 ng/mL LT for four hours, proving their susceptibility to anthrax lethal toxin. Furthermore, staining with annexin V and propidium iodide revealed that LT

SUBMITTER: Chauncey KM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3475123 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature