The structural-functional organization of the diphtheria toxin]

The present data on the structure and functional features of diphtheria toxin, the main pathogenic factor of diphtheria infection, have been described. Information on the primary and secondary structures and X-ray analysis of this protein is presented and discussed. The structures of catalytic, transmembrane and receptor-binding domains of diphtheria toxin have been considered in detail and the functional roles of some amino-acid residues of these domains have been analyzed.     

A model of the structure of the receptor apparatus of HIV target cells (1)

A model is proposed and well based of structure of the receptor apparatus of interacting HIV target cells: Langerhans cells (LC) and helper cells (HC)--designed to explain feasibility of realizing a double activation signal, together with some features of immune pathogenesis of HIV-infection (morphofunctional abnormalities in certain subpopulations of the immune system such as HC, suppressor cells, killer cells, natural killers, lymph cells, macrophages, LC), as well as immunogenetic predisposition to AIDS.