CNF and DNT

The actin cytoskeleton of mammalian cells is involved in many processes that affect the growth and colonization of bacteria, such as migration of immune cells, phagocytosis by macrophages, secretion of cytokines, maintenance of epithelial barrier functions and others. With respect to these functions, it is not surprising that many bacterial protein toxins, which are important virulence factors and causative agents of human and/or animal diseases, target the actin cytoskeleton of the host. Some toxins target actin directly, such as the C2 toxin produced by Clostridium botulinum. Moreover, bacterial toxins target the cytoskeleton indirectly by modifying actin regulators such as the low-molecular-mass guanosine triphosphate (GTP)-binding proteins of the Rho family. Remarkably, toxins affect these GTPases in a bidirectional manner. Some toxins inhibit and some activate the GTPases. Here we review the Rho-activating toxins CNF1 and CNF2 (cytotoxic necrotizing factors) from Escherichia coli, the Yersinia CNF_Y and the dermonecrotic toxin (DNT) from Bordetella species. We describe and compare their uptake into mammalian cells, mode of action, structure–function relationship, substrate specificity and role in diseases.