Abstract
The anthrax toxin protective antigen precursor is activated by proteolytic cleavage by furin or a furin-like protease. We present here data demonstrating that the small stable furin inhibitor hexa-D-arginine amide delays anthrax toxin-induced toxemia both in cells and in live animals, suggesting that furin inhibition may represent a reasonable avenue for therapeutic intervention in anthrax.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Anthrax / prevention & control*
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Antigens, Bacterial*
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Bacterial Toxins / toxicity*
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Cell Line
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Enzyme Inhibitors / administration & dosage*
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Furin / antagonists & inhibitors*
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Macrophages, Alveolar / pathology
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Male
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Peptides / administration & dosage*
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Rats
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Rats, Inbred F344
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Toxemia / prevention & control*
Substances
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Antigens, Bacterial
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Bacterial Toxins
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Enzyme Inhibitors
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Peptides
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anthrax toxin
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polyarginine
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Furin