Question - What is the mechanism of toxicity for ricin?
Answer- The cited reference notes “Ricin is a type II ribosome inactivating protein consisting of two hemagglutinins and two toxins.” This reference further notes “Ricin’s cytotoxicity is due to inhibition of protein synthesis. The beta chain binds to cell-surface receptors containing beta-1,4-linked galactose residues and the toxin- receptor complex is taken into the cell by endocytosis. The A chain has endonuclease activity and even very low concentrations will inhibit DNA replication and protein synthesis.” (USAMRIID’s Medical Management of Biological Casualties handbook, 8th Ed)
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