page_title: AB5 toxin
section_title: Structure
hierarchical_section_title: AB5 toxin / Structure
caption_attribution_description: English: General diagram of the A subunit of the AB5 toxin showing the disulfide linkage.
context_page_description: The AB₅ toxins are six-component protein complexes secreted by certain pathogenic bacteria known to cause human diseases such as cholera, dysentery, and hemolytic–uremic syndrome. One component is known as the A subunit, and the remaining five components are B subunits. All of these toxins share a similar structure and mechanism for entering targeted host cells. The B subunit is responsible for binding to receptors to open up a pathway for the A subunit to enter the cell. The A subunit is then able to use its catalytic machinery to take over the host cell's regular functions.
context_section_description: A complete AB5 toxin complex contains six protein units.  Five units are similar or identical in structure and they comprise the B subunit.  The last protein unit is unique and is known as the A subunit.
caption: General diagram of the A subunit of the AB5 toxin with the disulfide linkage.
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