#lethal toxin

-- toxin

-- secreted by bacteria

-- can damage host      -- destroy cells      -- disrupt normal metabolism

-- highly potent

-- may also be released during death of the cell, like endotoxins

-- type 1 = signal at host cell membranes

-- type 2 = damage membranes

-- type 3 = enter cells and directly alter their function

-- lethal toxin      -- lethal factor      -- protective antigen

-- edema toxin      -- edema factor      -- protective antigen