Review of advances in molecular structure and biological function of alpha toxin of Clostridium perfringens

• Published in: Canadian journal of veterinary research = Revue canadienne de recherche veterinaire Vol. 88; no. 4; p. 138
• Main Authors: Xu, Chongli, She, Yuhan, Fu, Fengyang, Xu, Chongbo, Peng, Kun
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Canada 01.10.2024
• Subjects: Animals; Bacterial Toxins - chemistry; Bacterial Toxins - metabolism; Bacterial Toxins - toxicity; Calcium-Binding Proteins - chemistry; Calcium-Binding Proteins - genetics; Calcium-Binding Proteins - metabolism; Clostridium Infections - microbiology; Clostridium Infections - veterinary; Clostridium perfringens - pathogenicity; Type C Phospholipases - chemistry; Type C Phospholipases - metabolism
• ISSN: 1928-9022

toxin has become the subject of research in recent years. The objective of this article was to review and summarize recent research on the molecular structure and biological function of the toxin of . This includes the work of our research team, as well as that of other researchers. is an anaerobic, spore-forming, Gram-positive bacillus. It can cause various intestinal diseases, such as gas gangrene, food poisoning, non-foodborne diarrhea, and enteritis. can be classified into 5 toxinotypes A, B, C, D, and E, based on the production of major toxins. Each type of produces toxin, which is one of the most important lethal and dermonecrotic toxins and is considered a primary virulence factor. toxin is a multifunctional metalloenzyme with phospholipase C and sphingomyelinase activities that simultaneously hydrolyze phosphatidylcholine and sphingomyelin. It can therefore destroy the integrity of cell membranes and eventually cause cell lysis. The clinical effects of toxins are characterized by cytotoxicity, hemolytic activity, lethality, skin necrosis, platelet aggregation, and increased vascular permeability. Future research will concentrate on the pathogenesis of toxin exposure, clarifying the interaction between toxin and the cell membrane and investigating the mechanism of activating platelet function. This research will have substantial theoretical and practical value in controlling disease progression, identifying targeted therapeutic sites, and reducing the toxic effects of vaccines.