Anti-Bacillus anthracis (Anthrax) LF (Lethal Factor) Protein

Anthrax infection is initiated by the inhalation, ingestion, or cutaneous contact with Bacillus anthracis endospores. B. anthracis produces three polypeptides that comprise the anthrax toxin: protective antigen (PA), lethal factor (LF), and edema factor (EF) (1,2 for review). PA binds to two related proteins on the cell surface, these are termed tumor epithelial marker 8 (TEM8)/anthrax toxin receptor (ATR) (3) and capillary morphogenesis protein 2 (CMG2) (4), although it is still unclear which is physiologically relevant. Following PA binding to its receptor, PA is cleaved into two fragments by a furin-like protease. The bound fragment binds both LF and EF, the resulting complex is then endocytosed which allows the translocation of LF and EF into the cytoplasm (5). LF is the primary toxin of anthrax and functions as a highly specific protease that cleaves members of the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MAPKK) family near their amino terminus, interfering with MAPK signaling and inducing apoptosis (6). Applications: Can be used for the detection of Anthrax LF protein in ELISA. , Other applications not tested. Recommended Dilution: ELISA: 1ug/ml detects 10ng of free peptide , Optimal dilution determined by the researcher. Storage and Stability: May be stored at 4°C for short-term only. For long-term storage and to avoid repeated freezing and thawing, add sterile 40-50% glycerol, aliquot and store at -20°C. Aliquots are stable for at least 12 months at -20°C. For maximum recovery of product, centrifuge the original vial after thawing and prior to removing the cap. Further dilutions can be made in assay buffer.