Protection against anthrax toxemia by hexa-D-arginine in vitro and in vivo.

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.

• Authors: Miroslav S Sarac, Juan R Peinado, Stephen H Leppla, Iris Lindberg
• Journal: Infection and immunity (Infect Immun) Vol. 72 Issue 1 Pg. 602-5 (Jan 2004) ISSN: 0019-9567 [Print] United States
• PMID: 14688144 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)

Chemical References

• Antigens, Bacterial
• Bacterial Toxins
• Enzyme Inhibitors
• Peptides
• anthrax toxin
• polyarginine
• Furin

Topics

• Animals
• Anthrax (prevention & control)
• Antigens, Bacterial
• Bacterial Toxins (toxicity)
• Cell Line
• Enzyme Inhibitors (administration & dosage)
• Furin (antagonists & inhibitors)
• Macrophages, Alveolar (pathology)
• Male
• Peptides (administration & dosage)
• Rats
• Rats, Inbred F344
• Toxemia (prevention & control)