Anthrax: a motor protein determines anthrax susceptibility

Curr Biol. 2001 Nov 13;11(22):R905-6. doi: 10.1016/s0960-9822(01)00550-4.

Abstract

A new study has found that polymorphisms in the host gene kif1C, which encodes a kinesin-like motor protein, determine whether mouse macrophages are resistant or sensitive to anthrax lethal toxin. These findings may lead the way to discovering how both germ and host factors might contribute to a lethal infection.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Comment

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anthrax / genetics
  • Anthrax / metabolism*
  • Antigens, Bacterial*
  • Bacillus anthracis / metabolism
  • Bacterial Toxins / metabolism*
  • Disease Susceptibility
  • Humans
  • Kinesins / genetics
  • Kinesins / metabolism*
  • Macrophages / metabolism
  • Mice

Substances

  • Antigens, Bacterial
  • Bacterial Toxins
  • KIF1C protein, human
  • Kif1c protein, mouse
  • anthrax toxin
  • Kinesins