Role of post-translational modifications in virulence of Bacillus anthracis: A narrative review

Bacillus anthracis, a rod-shaped, spore-forming bacterium, is the causative agent of anthrax. The life cycle of B. anthracis involves sporulation and germination processes that are precisely regulated by distinct sigma factors and associated proteins. Its pathogenicity is primarily attributed to a tripartite toxin consisting of lethal factor (LF), edema factor (EF) and protective antigen (PA), as well as an antiphagocytic capsule of Poly-γ-D-Glutamate. The virulence of B. anthracis is further regulated by various post-translational modifications (PTMs), including protein phosphorylation, acetylation, glycosylation, hydroxylation, and lipidation. These modifications play a key role in modulating bacterial virulence by influencing enzymatic activity and protein expression. This review summarizes the role of PTMs in the regulation of B. anthracis virulence. A deeper understanding of how these PTMs contribute to B. anthracis pathogenesis may offer new insights into novel enzyme targets, strategies to disrupt toxin production and the development of therapeutic approaches to combat anthrax infections.