Pasteurella leukotoxins are exotoxins that attack host leukocytes and especially polymorphonuclear cells, by causing cell rupture. The leukotoxin binds to the host LFA-1 integrin and induces a signaling cascade leading to many biological effects, including tyrosine phosphorylation of the CD18 tail, elevation of the intracellular Ca2+ and lysis of the host cell . This leukotoxin is a major contributor to the pathogenesis of lung injury in ovine pneumonic pasteurellosis. It has also weak holytic activity.
Sequence diversity and molecular evolution of the leukotoxin (lktA) gene in bovine and ovine strains of Mannheimia (Pasteurella) haemolytica.Davies R.L., Whittam T.S., Selander R.K.J. Bacteriol. 183:1394-1404(2001)
Research Topic:Others