Preprint Review Version 2 Preserved in Portico This version is not peer-reviewed

Diphtheria and the AB Toxin Group: a History and the Need for New Toxin Therapeutics

Version 1 : Received: 23 February 2023 / Approved: 24 February 2023 / Online: 24 February 2023 (03:17:55 CET)
Version 2 : Received: 20 June 2023 / Approved: 20 June 2023 / Online: 20 June 2023 (07:24:59 CEST)

How to cite: Pembroke, B. Diphtheria and the AB Toxin Group: a History and the Need for New Toxin Therapeutics. Preprints 2023, 2023020416. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202302.0416.v2 Pembroke, B. Diphtheria and the AB Toxin Group: a History and the Need for New Toxin Therapeutics. Preprints 2023, 2023020416. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202302.0416.v2

Abstract

AB toxins have historically been associated with significant morbidity, mortality through infections such as botulinum, anthrax, cholera, and diphtheria. These AB toxin-mediated diseases remain prevalent in low and middle income countries, with intermittent outbreaks of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) or whooping cough by Bordetella pertussis in high-income countries. These reports warrant an investigation to better understand the distinct characteristics of AB toxins derived from different pathogens. As toxigenic pathogens broaden their scope and diversity, it amplifies the complexity of the problems posed by their AB toxins. Here, we discuss the history, structure and characteristics of key AB toxins, and report on historical and ongoing research on these toxins. We also explore research avenues that hold great promise in potentially improving clinical management of toxin-mediated diseases in the future.

Keywords

AB toxin; diphtheria; botulinum; tetanus; anthrax; cholera; pertussis; shiga toxin; vaccines

Subject

Biology and Life Sciences, Immunology and Microbiology

Comments (1)

Comment 1
Received: 20 June 2023
Commenter: Billy Pembroke
Commenter's Conflict of Interests: Author
Comment: Updated version and removed co-authors who didn't want their name attached.
+ Respond to this comment

We encourage comments and feedback from a broad range of readers. See criteria for comments and our Diversity statement.

Leave a public comment
Send a private comment to the author(s)
* All users must log in before leaving a comment
Views 0
Downloads 0
Comments 1


×
Alerts
Notify me about updates to this article or when a peer-reviewed version is published.
We use cookies on our website to ensure you get the best experience.
Read more about our cookies here.