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Pore protein from staphylococcus aureus
Structure of staphylococcal alpha-hemolysin, a heptameric transmembrane pore. Computer artwork of the ribbon structure of the pore forming-toxin from the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. The toxin targets white blood cells, part of the body's immune system. It makes pores in the white blood cell's membrane, causing the cell contents to leak, and thus killing the cell. This destruction of cells leads to skin and soft tissue infections. These are mainly abscesses, but it can also cause pneumonia. The toxin has been found in strains of the antibiotic-resistant MRSA (methicillin-resistant S. Aureus) bacteria.
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