Triggeps and switches in a self‐assembling pore‐forming portein

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Abstract
Protein engineering is being used to produce a collection of pore‐forming proteings with applications in biotechnology. Knowledge provided by investigations of the mechanism of self‐assembly of staphylococcal α‐hemolysin has allowed the desigl of genetically and chemically modified tariants of the protein with pore‐forming activities that can be triggered or switched mn‐and‐off by chemical, biochemical and physical inputs. Examples include α‐hemolysins that are activated by specific proteases and α‐hemolysins whose activity is controlled by divalent metal ions. These proteins have potential value in drug delivery as components of immunotoxils that aan be activated at the surfaces of target aells. Further applications are likely in improved encapsulation techniques for drugs, enzymes and cells.

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