Abstract
The effects of Clostridium difficile toxin B on some actin-dependent functions of B lymphocytes were studied. A 3-day incubation of B lymphocytes with the toxin resulted in multinucleation in a similar manner to that seen after treatment with the microfilament-disrupting agent, cytochalasin B. The capping of IgM-receptors on U698 and Daudi cells was not inhibited by toxin B, whereas cytochalasin did inhibit capping. Using vimentin-negative Daudi cells, the cellular effects induced by toxin B were shown not to involve vimentin. The results suggest that toxin B inhibits formation of the actin-containing contractile ring needed in cytokinesis. Toxin B is the first bacterial protein toxin known to exert this effect.
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