Progress in research on anthrax toxins and their pathogenesis

Anthrax toxins include edema toxin (ET) and lethal toxin (LT) which are critical pathogenic factors produced by Bacillus anthracis. ET is composed of protective antigen (PA) and edema factor (EF), while a mixture of PA and lethal factor (LF) form LT. This review summaries the progress in research on anthrax toxins and their pathogenesis from the aspects of the gene, structure and biological activity and the scientific significance of the research in the prevention and control of anthrax.