Recent findings from Y.R. Kong and co-authors highlight research in anthrax.

"PA-binding domain of LF (LFn) or PA-binding domain of EF (EFn) is the anthrax protective antigen (PA) binding domain of anthrax lethal factor ( LF) or edema factor (EF). Here we show the development of a novel anthrax toxin inhibitor, fusion protein of N-terminal 27 amino acids deletion of LFn (Delta 27LFn) and EFn," investigators in Beijing, People's Republic of China report (see also Anthrax).

"In a cell model of intoxication, fusion protein of Delta 27LFn and EFn (Delta 27LFn-EFn) was a 62-fold more potent toxin inhibitor than LFn or EFn, and this increased activity corresponded to a 39-fold higher PA-binding affinity by Biacore analysis. More importantly, Delta 27LFn-EFn could protect the highly susceptible Fischer 344 rats from anthrax lethal toxin challenge," wrote Y.R. Kong and colleagues.

The researchers concluded: "This work suggested that Delta 27LFn-EFn has the potential as a ...