Structure, Function and Role in Disease of Pneumolysin, The Thiol-Activated Toxin of Streptococcus Pneumoniae

摘要: Pneumolysin, the thiol-activated toxin of Streptococcus pneumoniae is one a family toxins produced by four different genera Gram positive bacteria (1). This share variety physical and biological properties exert their effects via damage to eukaryotic membranes (2). A striking feature this pronounced immunological cross-reactivity such that sera raised against member generally reacts with often neutralizes precipitates heterologous They are termed since they inactivated upon oxidation treatment reducing agents restores full activity was thought reflect formation breakage intra-molecular disulfide bridges, process which induces conformational changes in protein reflected ability interact (3). As well as mediating changes, single sulphydryl postulated be essential for (4). However, role cysteine plays unclear. The utilize cholesterol receptor cytolytic only manifest on cells have part free potent inhibitor (1, 2). It has been group may mediate (or involved in) interaction (6). should noted not shown conclusively act these toxins.