Application

The antibody may be used in various immunochemical techniques including Immunoblotting, Immunofluorescence and ELISA. Detection of the CTxB band by Immunoblotting is specifically inhibited by the immunogen.

Biochem/physiol Actions

CTx is composed of two subunits, the toxic CTxA (~27 kDa) and non-toxic CTxB (~12 kDa) assembled with the stoichiometry AB5.4 The B-subunit specifically binds to monosialogangliosides GM1 receptors, located in the membrane of intestinal epithelial cells.5 The A1 fragment of the A-subunit is translocated through the membrane of the host cell, where it catalyses the ADP-ribosylation of the Gsa regulatory component of the adenylate cyclase complex. The resulting increased level of cyclic AMP promotes a wide variety of actions, including the secretion of chloride ions in the case of intestinal epithelial cells.6-7 Antibodies specific for cholera toxin may be used in studies of structural and functional aspects of toxin-membrane interactions and for the detection of CTxB when used for example as an adjuvant when injected mucosally together with the desired antigen.8-10

Disclaimer

Unless otherwise stated in our catalog our products are intended for research use only and are not to be used for any other purpose, which includes but is not limited to, unauthorized commercial uses, in vitro diagnostic uses, ex vivo or in vivo therapeutic uses or any type of consumption or application to humans or animals.

General description

Cholera toxin (CTx) also known as choleragen, is an enterotoxin produced by the Gram-negative bacterium Vibrio cholerae that naturally habitat in fresh or saltwater environments. Most of the V. cholerae species do not cause any disease in human, but few including serotypes O1 and O139 can cause cholera pandemic. These cases were described already in the 19th century.1 The V. cholerae virulence factors CtxA and CtxB are located at the CTX phage genome integrated within the bacterial chromosome. Since species virulence may change due to mutations and acquisition of virulence genes, the cholera pandemic has a major public health risk with potential for large numbers of cases and even deaths.1-3

Immunogen

recombinant Cholera toxin beta (C-terminal His-tag) protein.

Physical form

Supplied as a solution in 0.01 M phosphate buffered saline pH 7.4, containing 15 mM sodium azide as a preservative.

Specificity

Monoclonal Anti-Cholera Toxin-peroxidase antibody specifically recognizes Cholera Toxin and has no cross reactivity with Staphylococcal Enterotoxin A (SEA), Staphylococcal Enterotoxin B (SEB), Pseudomonas Exotoxin A or Staphylococcal Alpha-Toxin (α-Hemolysin).

Storage and Stability

For continuous use, store at 2-8°C for up to one month. For extended storage, freeze in working aliquots. Repeated freezing and thawing is not recommended. If slight turbidity occurs upon prolonged storage, clarify the solution by centrifugation before use. Working dilution samples should be discarded if not used within 12 hours.