Lethal toxin cytopathogenicity and novel approaches to anthrax treatment

Abstract

Inhibition of LeTx activity is provided as a treatment of anthrax infection. In particular, inhibition of the apoptotic effects of LeTx is provided as a targeted means of specifically treating anthrax infection. Treatments include inhibition of the Fas/FasL signaling pathway, inhibition of the effects of sFasL, inhibition of proteases of the caspase family and protection from loss of mitochondrial transmembrane potential in infected cells. Additionally, treatments targeting inhibition of apoptosis induced by LeTx activity include enhancement of the ERK (MAPK)-signaling pathway by agents including GM-CSF. The method of treating an infectious disease also comprises administering a combination of an antitoxin substance, which protects host cells from microbial toxin, and an antibiotic to an infected person. The anti-toxin substance includes different apoptosis inhibitors. Infection against which the treatment of the invention are effective include any disease leading to apoptosis of host cells such as, but not limited to, anthrax, plague, Ebola, or Marburg.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.