"Deadly Kamikaze Bacteria Unleash Lethal Toxins in Explosive Bursts"
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Ars Technica
Researchers have discovered that the insect pathogen Yersinia entomophaga uses a unique lytic secretion system to release its large-molecule toxin, YenTc, into its host. This mechanism involves designated "soldier cells" sacrificing themselves and exploding to deploy the poison inside their victim. The study sheds light on how certain bacteria engage in kamikaze chemical warfare, and the findings could potentially lead to the development of treatments targeting similar mechanisms in human pathogens.