Certain bacterial species belonging to the genus Clostridium are characterized by their ability to produce extremely potent neurotoxins. Classified as either tetanus neurotoxin (TeNT) or botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT), they act by inhibiting neurotransmitter release at CNS synapses (TeNT) and neuromuscular junctions (BoNT), leading to the spastic (tetanus) or flaccid (botulism) paralysis. To date, eight different neurotoxin types have been recognized; these are single form of TeNT, and seven (A-G) serologically distinct BoNTs. One of the most important factors to emphasize is that while production of TeNT is confined to a single clostridial species, Clostridium tetani, BoNT is produced by a range of species. The deadly nature of the diseases these toxins cause has assured them some considerable attention from the scientific community. As a result, much is now known of their mode of action.
Neurotoxigenic Clostridia
MONTECUCCO, CESARE;ROSSETTO, ORNELLA
2006
Abstract
Certain bacterial species belonging to the genus Clostridium are characterized by their ability to produce extremely potent neurotoxins. Classified as either tetanus neurotoxin (TeNT) or botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT), they act by inhibiting neurotransmitter release at CNS synapses (TeNT) and neuromuscular junctions (BoNT), leading to the spastic (tetanus) or flaccid (botulism) paralysis. To date, eight different neurotoxin types have been recognized; these are single form of TeNT, and seven (A-G) serologically distinct BoNTs. One of the most important factors to emphasize is that while production of TeNT is confined to a single clostridial species, Clostridium tetani, BoNT is produced by a range of species. The deadly nature of the diseases these toxins cause has assured them some considerable attention from the scientific community. As a result, much is now known of their mode of action.Pubblicazioni consigliate
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