Interactions between anthrax toxin receptors and protective antigen

Since the anthrax mail attacks of 2001, much has been learned about the interactions between anthrax toxin and its receptors. Two distinct cellular receptors for anthrax toxin have been identified and are designated capillary morphogenesis protein 2 (CMG2) and anthrax toxin receptor/tumor endothelial marker 8 (ATR/TEM8). The molecular details of the toxin-receptor interactions have been revealed through crystallographic, biochemical and genetic studies. In addition, a novel pathway by which anthrax toxin enters cells is starting to be uncovered.