Thiol-activated cytolysins: structure, function and role in pathogenesis.

Members of the thiol-activated family of cytolysins are involved in the mechanism of pathogenesis of a number of Gram-positive species. While they are pore-forming toxins, their major pathogenic effects may be more subtle than simple lysis of host cells, and may include interference with immune cell function and cytokine induction. Crystal structure, electron microscopy, mutagenesis and antibody binding studies have led to the modeling of a novel mechanism of pore formation, encompassing membrane-binding, membrane insertion and oligomerization. Despite their designation as thiol-activated cytolysins, it is now clear that thiol activation is not an important property of this group of toxins.