Anthrax X-rayed: new opportunities for biodefence

Abstract

Bacillus anthracis, the agent responsible for inhalation anthrax, exerts its lethal effects via the production of anthrax toxin (protective antigen, lethal factor and oedema factor); anthrax kills because the toxin overwhelms the patient before innate host defence systems have a chance to eradicate the invaders. Structural studies on these three components provide a starting point for the design of novel drugs to neutralize toxin action, yielding a valuable adjunct to conventional antibiotic treatment.