Abstract
The mode of action, and hence the histopathological events of all the δ-endotoxins produced as secondary metabolites by the species Bacillus thuringiensis are identical. The protein particles produced during the sporulation process have to be ingested by the target insects. In the intestine they are dissolved and undergo activation by gut juice proteinases. Following receptor mediated binding pores are formed leading to the loss of normal membrane function. The gut epithelial cells swell. Microvilli and other cell organelles are distorted along with the formation of vacuoles. The pathogenesis, the site and mode of action, is unique for an insecticidal metabolite. The process involved in the pathogenesis explains the specificity and the high level of safety of Bt products. The possible origin of the δ-endotoxin, reflecting a close connection between the target insects and the bacterium is discussed.
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Lüthy, P., Wolfersberger, M.G. (2000). Pathogenesis of Bacillus thuringiensis toxins. In: Charles, JF., Delécluse, A., Roux, C.NL. (eds) Entomopathogenic Bacteria: from Laboratory to Field Application. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-1429-7_9
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-1429-7_9
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