Anthrax toxin entry into polarized epithelial cells.

Evidence against a Human Cell-Specific Role for LRP6 in Anthrax Toxin Entry

The role of the cellular protein LRP6 in anthrax toxin entry is controversial. Previous studies showed that LRP6 was important for efficient intoxication of human M2182 prostate carcinoma cells but other studies performed with cells from gene-knockout mice demonstrated no role for either LRP6 or the related LRP5 protein in anthrax toxin entry. One possible explanation for this discrepancy is th...

LRP6 Holds the Key to the Entry of Anthrax Toxin

In this issue of Cell, it is demonstrated that the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 6 (LRP6) promotes endocytosis of the anthrax toxin into cells. LRP6 acts as a coreceptor with either TEM8 or CMG2, the two previously identified receptors for anthrax toxin.

Anthrax Toxin Receptor (ATR/TEM8) is Highly Expressed in Epithelial Cells Lining the Toxin’s Three Sites of Entry (Lung, Skin, and Intestine): Implications for the Pathogenesis of Anthrax Infection

Bacillus anthracis lethal toxin reduces human alveolar epithelial barrier function.

The lung is the site of entry for Bacillus anthracis in inhalation anthrax, the deadliest form of the disease. Bacillus anthracis produces virulence toxins required for disease. Alveolar macrophages were considered the primary target of the Bacillus anthracis virulence factor lethal toxin because lethal toxin inhibits mouse macrophages through cleavage of MEK signaling pathway components, but w...

Polarized and Non-Poarized Human Oviduct Epithelial Cell Ultrastructure in Vitro

Purpose: This study designed to examine polarized culture of epithelial cells from human ovidutc and their ultrastracture under polarizing condition. Materials and Methods: The human oviduct was obtained from patients having undergone total hysterectomy and epithelial cells were isolated using collagenase type I. The epithelial cells were either cultured on ECM (Extracellular matrix) Gel coate...