Tc toxin complexes are virulence factors of many bacteria, including insect and human pathogens. Tc toxins are composed of three subunits that act together to perforate the host membrane, similar to a syringe, and translocate toxic enzymes into the host cell. The reactions of the toxic enzymes lead to deterioration and ultimately death of the cell. We review recent high-resolution structural and functional data that explain the mechanism of action of this type of bacterial toxin at an unprecedented level of molecular detail. We focus on the steps that are necessary for toxin activation and membrane permeation. This is where the largest conformational transitions appear. Furthermore, we compare the architecture and function of Tc toxins with those of anthrax toxin and vertebrate teneurin.

中文翻译：

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Tc毒素复合物：组装，膜渗透和蛋白质易位。

Tc毒素复合物是许多细菌（包括昆虫和人类病原体）的毒力因子。Tc毒素由三个亚基组成，这三个亚基共同作用以穿透宿主膜，类似于注射器，并将毒性酶转运到宿主细胞中。有毒酶的反应导致细胞退化，并最终导致细胞死亡。我们审查了最新的高分辨率结构和功能数据，这些数据以前所未有的分子水平解释了这种细菌毒素的作用机理。我们专注于毒素激活和膜渗透所必需的步骤。这是最大的构象转变出现的地方。此外，我们比较了Tc毒素与炭疽毒素和脊椎动物Teneurin的结构和功能。