Cytolysin

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Cytolysin refers to the substance or antibody elaborated by microorganisms, plants or animals that is specifically toxic to individual cells [1], in many cases causing their dissolution through lysis. Cytolysins that have a specific action for certain cells are named accordingly [2]. For instance, the cytolysins responsible for the destruction of red blood cells, thereby liberating hemoglobins, are named hemolysins, and so on [3]. Cytolysins may be involved in immunity as well as in venoms.

[edit] External links

• Orientations of anemone pore-forming cytolysins in membrane (initially bound state)