Anthrax lethal toxin inhibits translation of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α and causes decreased tolerance to hypoxic stress

Abstract

Background: Hypoxia is proposed as a mediator of anthrax lethal factor (LT)-induced pathology. Results: LT inhibits hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) translation and causes increased cellular toxicity in response to hypoxic stress. Conclusion: LT reduces HIF-1α translation, dysregulating host responses to hypoxia. Significance: Inhibition of HIF-1α translation is a novel mechanism underlying LT-induced pathology. © 2014 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc..