15. Bacillus anthracis

Question 1

Cytokine storm is also known as?

Answer 1

Septicemia

Question 2

What does plasmid pXO1 encode? pXO2?

Answer 2

pXO1: PA, LF, EF

pXO2: CapA-CapE proteins (make up polyglutamate capsule)

Question 3

Where is PA found (molecular level)?

Answer 3

PA is in the B subunit of AB toxin

Question 4

Function of PA63?

Answer 4

Form heptamers that binds up to 3x LF and 3x EF before getting endocytosed

Question 5

PA is cleaved by ____ to PA20 + PA63

Answer 5

furin

Question 6

What process causes PA pore formation?

Answer 6

Acidification of endosome

Question 7

____ anchors capsule to peptidoglycan layer

Answer 7

CapD

Question 8

What is LF?

Answer 8

Lethal factor

Zn2+-dependent metalloprotease that cleaves MAPKKs

Question 9

What is EF?

Answer 9

Edema factor

Calmodulin-dependent adenylate cyclase

Question 10

Major virulence factor of anthrax that mediates host lethality?

Answer 10

Lethal factor

Question 11

Where do anthrax spores germinate into vegetative cells?

Answer 11

Inside/near macrophage

Question 12

Function of poly-glutamate capsule in B. anthracis?

Answer 12

Prevents phagocytosis and is required for virulence

Question 13

Genome of Bacillus anthracis?

Answer 13

1 circular chromosome + 2 virulence plasmids (pOX1/2)