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Evidence that botulinum C2 toxin has two dissimilar components
Infection and Immunity
|August 1, 1980
Summary
Clostridium botulinum C2 toxin requires two separate protein components to be toxic. Combining and treating these components with trypsin restores the toxin
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Toxicology
- Protein Chemistry
Background:
- Clostridium botulinum types C and D produce botulinum C2 toxin.
- Botulinum C2 toxin is composed of multiple protein components.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the protein composition of botulinum C2 toxin.
- To determine the role of individual components in botulinum C2 toxin's activity.
Main Methods:
- Separation of protein components using ion-exchange chromatography.
- Separation of protein components using gel filtration.
- Reconstitution of toxicity by mixing components and trypsinization.
Main Results:
- Botulinum C2 toxin consists of two distinct protein components.
- Neither separated component exhibited toxicity.
- Toxicity was restored upon mixing the components and trypsin treatment.
Conclusions:
- Botulinum C2 toxin is a binary toxin.
- Cooperation between the two protein components is essential for C2 toxin's activity.