Binding of anthrax toxin to its receptor is similar to alpha integrin-ligand interactions

Membrane type-1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) protects malignant cells from tumoricidal activity of re-engineered anthrax lethal toxin

Protective antigen (PA) and lethal factor (LF) are the two components of anthrax lethal toxin. PA is responsible for interacting with cell receptors and for the subsequent translocation of LF inside the cell compartment. A re-engineered toxin comprised of PA and a fusion chimera LF/Pseudomonas exotoxin (FP59) is a promising choice for tumor cell surface targeting. We demonstrated, however, that in vitro in cell-free system and in cultured human colon carcinoma LoVo, fibrosarcoma HT1080 and glioma U251 cells membrane type-1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) cleaves both the PA83 precursor and the PA63 mature protein. Exhaustive MT1-MMP cleavage of PA83 in vitro generates several major degradation fragments with an N-terminus at Glu40, Leu48, and Gln512. In cultured cells, MT1-MMP-dependent cleavage releases the cell-bound PA83 and PA63 species from the cell surface. As a result, MT1-MMP expressing cells have less PA63 to internalize. In agreement, our observations demonstrate that MT1-MMP proteolysis of PA makes the MT1-MMP-expressing aggressive invasive cells resistant to the cytotoxic effect of a bipartite PA/FP59 toxin. We infer from our studies that synthetic inhibitors of MMPs are likely to increase the therapeutic anti-cancer effect of anthrax toxin. In addition, our study supports a unique role of furin in the activation of PA, thereby suggesting that furin inhibitors are the likely specific drugs for short-term therapy of anthrax infection.

Interactions between anthrax toxin receptors and protective antigen

Since the anthrax mail attacks of 2001, much has been learned about the interactions between anthrax toxin and its receptors. Two distinct cellular receptors for anthrax toxin have been identified and are designated capillary morphogenesis protein 2 (CMG2) and anthrax toxin receptor/tumor endothelial marker 8 (ATR/TEM8). The molecular details of the toxin-receptor interactions have been revealed through crystallographic, biochemical and genetic studies. In addition, a novel pathway by which anthrax toxin enters cells is starting to be uncovered.

Binary bacterial toxins: biochemistry, biology, and applications of common Clostridium and Bacillus proteins

Certain pathogenic species of Bacillus and Clostridium have developed unique methods for intoxicating cells that employ the classic enzymatic "A-B" paradigm for protein toxins. The binary toxins produced by B. anthracis, B. cereus, C. botulinum, C. difficile, C. perfringens, and C. spiroforme consist of components not physically associated in solution that are linked to various diseases in humans, animals, or insects. The "B" components are synthesized as precursors that are subsequently activated by serine-type proteases on the targeted cell surface and/or in solution. Following release of a 20-kDa N-terminal peptide, the activated "B" components form homoheptameric rings that subsequently dock with an "A" component(s) on the cell surface. By following an acidified endosomal route and translocation into the cytosol, "A" molecules disable a cell (and host organism) via disruption of the actin cytoskeleton, increasing intracellular levels of cyclic AMP, or inactivation of signaling pathways linked to mitogen-activated protein kinase kinases. Recently, B. anthracis has gleaned much notoriety as a biowarfare/bioterrorism agent, and of primary interest has been the edema and lethal toxins, their role in anthrax, as well as the development of efficacious vaccines and therapeutics targeting these virulence factors and ultimately B. anthracis. This review comprehensively surveys the literature and discusses the similarities, as well as distinct differences, between each Clostridium and Bacillus binary toxin in terms of their biochemistry, biology, genetics, structure, and applications in science and medicine. The information may foster future studies that aid novel vaccine and drug development, as well as a better understanding of a conserved intoxication process utilized by various gram-positive, spore-forming bacteria.

Structural Insights into How the MIDAS Ion Stabilizes Integrin Binding to an RGD Peptide under Force

Integrin alpha(V)beta(3) binds to extracellular matrix proteins through the tripeptide Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD), forming a shallow crevice rather than a deep binding pocket. A dynamic picture of how the RGD-alpha(V)beta(3) complex resists dissociation by mechanical force is derived here from steered molecular dynamic (SMD) simulations in which the major force peak correlates with the breaking of the contact between Asp(RGD) and the MIDAS ion. SMD predicts that the RGD-alpha(V)beta(3) complex is stabilized from dissociation by a single water molecule tightly coordinated to the divalent MIDAS ion, thereby blocking access of free water molecules to the most critical force-bearing interaction. The MIDAS motif is common to many other proteins that contain the phylogenetically ancient von Willebrand A (vWA) domain. The functional role of single water molecules tightly coordinated to the MIDAS ion might reflect a general strategy for the stabilization of protein-protein adhesion against cell-derived forces through divalent cations.

Structure of heptameric protective antigen bound to an anthrax toxin receptor: a role for receptor in pH-dependent pore formation

After binding to cellular receptors and proteolytic activation, the protective antigen component of anthrax toxin forms a heptameric prepore. The prepore later undergoes pH-dependent conversion to a pore, mediating translocation of the edema and lethal factors to the cytosol. We describe structures of the prepore (3.6 A) and a prepore:receptor complex (4.3 A) that reveal the location of pore-forming loops and an unexpected interaction of the receptor with the pore-forming domain. Lower pH is required for prepore-to-pore conversion in the presence of the receptor, indicating that this interaction regulates pH-dependent pore formation. We present an example of a receptor negatively regulating pH-dependent membrane insertion.

Antitoxins: novel strategies to target agents of bioterrorism

Never before has there been such a strong possibility that biological agents might be used indiscriminately on civilian populations. This review focuses on the use of antitoxins - antibodies, receptor decoys, dominant-negative inhibitors of translocation, small-molecule inhibitors and substrate analogues - to counteract those biological weapons for which toxins are an important mechanism of disease pathogenesis.

Anthrax toxins

Bacillus anthracis, the etiological agent of anthrax, secretes three polypeptides that assemble into toxic complexes on the cell surfaces of the host it infects. One of these polypeptides, protective antigen (PA), binds to the integrin-like domains of ubiquitously expressed membrane proteins of mammalian cells. PA is then cleaved by membrane endoproteases of the furin family. Cleaved PA molecules assemble into heptamers, which can then associate with the two other secreted polypeptides: edema factor (EF) and/or lethal factor (LF). The heptamers of PA are relocalized to lipid rafts where they are quickly endocytosed and routed to an acidic compartment. The low pH triggers a conformational change in the heptamers, resulting in the formation of cation-specific channels and the translocation of EF/LF. EF is a calcium- and calmodulin-dependent adenylate cyclase that dramatically raises the intracellular concentration of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). LF is a zinc-dependent endoprotease that cleaves the amino terminus of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinases (Meks). Cleaved Meks cannot bind to their substrates and have reduced kinase activity, resulting in alterations of the signaling pathways they govern. The structures of PA, PA heptamer, EF, and LF have been solved and much is now known about the molecular details of the intoxication mechanism. The in vivo action of the toxins, on the other hand, is still poorly understood and hotly debated. A better understanding of the toxins will help in the design of much-needed anti-toxin drugs and the development of new toxin-based medical applications.

Crystal structure of a complex between anthrax toxin and its host cell receptor

Anthrax toxin consists of the proteins protective antigen (PA), lethal factor (LF) and oedema factor (EF). The first step of toxin entry into host cells is the recognition by PA of a receptor on the surface of the target cell. Subsequent cleavage of receptor-bound PA enables EF and LF to bind and form a heptameric PA63 pre-pore, which triggers endocytosis. Upon acidification of the endosome, PA63 forms a pore that inserts into the membrane and translocates EF and LF into the cytosol. Two closely related host cell receptors, TEM8 and CMG2, have been identified. Both bind to PA with high affinity and are capable of mediating toxicity. Here, we report the crystal structure of the PA-CMG2 complex at 2.5 A resolution. The structure reveals an extensive receptor-pathogen interaction surface mimicking the non-pathogenic recognition of the extracellular matrix by integrins. The binding surface is closely conserved in the two receptors and across species, but is quite different in the integrin domains, explaining the specificity of the interaction. CMG2 engages two domains of PA, and modelling of the receptor-bound PA63 heptamer suggests that the receptor acts as a pH-sensitive brace to ensure accurate and timely membrane insertion. The structure provides new leads for the discovery of anthrax anti-toxins, and should aid the design of cancer therapeutics.

Human anti-anthrax protective antigen neutralizing monoclonal antibodies derived from donors vaccinated with anthrax vaccine adsorbed

BACKGROUND: Potent anthrax toxin neutralizing human monoclonal antibodies were generated from peripheral blood lymphocytes obtained from Anthrax Vaccine Adsorbed (AVA) immune donors. The anti-anthrax toxin human monoclonal antibodies were evaluated for neutralization of anthrax lethal toxin in vivo in the Fisher 344 rat bolus toxin challenge model. METHODS: Human peripheral blood lymphocytes from AVA immunized donors were engrafted into severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice. Vaccination with anthrax protective antigen and lethal factor produced a significant increase in antigen specific human IgG in the mouse serum. The antibody producing lymphocytes were immortalized by hybridoma formation. The genes encoding the protective antibodies were rescued and stable cell lines expressing full-length human immunoglobulin were established. The antibodies were characterized by; (1) surface plasmon resonance; (2) inhibition of toxin in an in vitro mouse macrophage cell line protection assay and (3) in vivo in a Fischer 344 bolus lethal toxin challenge model. RESULTS: The range of antibodies generated were diverse with evidence of extensive hyper mutation, and all were of very high affinity for PA83~1 x 10-10-11M. Moreover all the antibodies were potent inhibitors of anthrax lethal toxin in vitro. A single IV dose of AVP-21D9 or AVP-22G12 was found to confer full protection with as little as 0.5x (AVP-21D9) and 1x (AVP-22G12) molar equivalence relative to the anthrax toxin in the rat challenge prophylaxis model. CONCLUSION: Here we describe a powerful technology to capture the recall antibody response to AVA vaccination and provide detailed molecular characterization of the protective human monoclonal antibodies. AVP-21D9, AVP-22G12 and AVP-1C6 protect rats from anthrax lethal toxin at low dose. Aglycosylated versions of the most potent antibodies are also protective in vivo, suggesting that lethal toxin neutralization is not Fc effector mediated. The protective effect of AVP-21D9 persists for at least one week in rats. These potent fully human anti-PA toxin-neutralizing antibodies are attractive candidates for prophylaxis and/or treatment against Anthrax Class A bioterrorism toxins.

Binding Stoichiometry and Kinetics of the Interaction of a Human Anthrax Toxin Receptor, CMG2, with Protective Antigen

The protective antigen (PA) moiety of anthrax toxin binds to cellular receptors and mediates entry of the two enzymatic moieties of the toxin into the cytosol. Two PA receptors, anthrax toxin receptor (ATR)/tumor endothelial marker 8 (TEM8) and capillary morphogenesis protein 2 (CMG2), have been identified. We expressed and purified the von Willebrand A (VWA) domain of CMG2 and examined its interactions with monomeric and heptameric forms of PA. Monomeric PA bound a stoichiometric equivalent of CMG2, whereas the heptameric prepore form bound 7 eq. The Kd of the VWA domain-PA interaction is 170 pm when liganded by Mg2+, reflecting a 1000-fold tighter interaction than most VWA domains with their endogenous ligands. The dissociation rate constant is extremely slow, indicating a 30-h lifetime for the CMG2.PA monomer complex. CMG2 metal ion-dependent adhesion site (MIDAS) was studied kinetically and thermodynamically. The association rate constant (approximately 10(5) m(-1) s(-1)) is virtually identical in the presence or absence of Mg2+ or Ca2+ , but the dissociation rate of metal ion liganded complex is up to 4 orders of magnitude slower than metal ion free complex. Residual affinity (Kd approximately 960 nm) in the absence of divalent metal ions allowed the free energy for the contribution of the metal ion to be calculated as 5 kcal mol(-1), demonstrating that the metal ion-dependent adhesion site is directly coordinated by CMG2 and PA in the binding interface. The high affinity of the VWA domain for PA supports its potency in neutralizing anthrax toxin, demonstrating its potential utility as a novel therapeutic for anthrax.

Crystal structure of the von Willebrand factor A domain of human capillary morphogenesis protein 2: an anthrax toxin receptor

Anthrax toxin is released from Bacillus anthracis as three monomeric proteins, which assemble into toxic complexes at the surface of receptor-bearing host cells. One of the proteins, protective antigen (PA), binds to receptors and orchestrates the delivery of the other two (the lethal and edema factors) into the cytosol. PA has been shown to bind to two cellular receptors: anthrax toxin receptor/tumor endothelial marker 8 and capillary morphogenesis protein 2 (CMG2). Both are type 1 membrane proteins that include an approximately 200-aa extracellular von Willebrand factor A (VWA) domain with a metal ion-dependent adhesion site (MIDAS) motif. The anthrax toxin receptor/tumor endothelial marker 8 and CMG2 VWA domains share approximately 60% amino acid identity and bind PA directly in a metal-dependent manner. Here, we report the crystal structure of the CMG2 VWA domain, with and without its intramolecular disulfide bond, to 1.5 and 1.8 A, respectively. Both structures contain a carboxylate ligand-mimetic bound at the MIDAS and appear as open conformations when compared with the VWA domains from alpha-integrins. The CMG2 structures provide a template to begin probing the high-affinity CMG2-PA interaction (200 pM) and may facilitate understanding of toxin assembly/internalization and the development of new anthrax treatments. The structural data also allow molecular interpretation of known CMG2 VWA domain mutations linked to the genetic disorders, juvenile hyaline fibromatosis, and infantile systemic hyalinosis.