anthrax lethal factor
Pronunciation: an′thraks lē′thăl fak′tŏr
Definition: A protein secreted by Bacillus anthracis, that selectively induces apoptosis of activated macrophages by cleaving the amino-terminal extension of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinases (MKKs). This action may allow the bacteria to avoid detection by the host's innate immune system.
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Examples: glitazone, GI cocktail, etc.
