Cytotoksinen

Cytotoksinen is a term derived from Greek words meaning "cell poison." In a biological context, it refers to a substance that is toxic to cells. Cytotoxins can be produced by various organisms, including bacteria, fungi, plants, and animals, as well as by the body's own immune system. The mechanisms by which cytotoxins exert their effects are diverse and can involve damaging cell membranes, interfering with essential cellular processes like DNA replication or protein synthesis, or inducing apoptosis (programmed cell death).

Many pathogens produce cytotoxins as a way to overcome host defenses and establish infection. For example, certain bacteria release toxins that kill host cells, allowing the bacteria to proliferate more easily. In plants, some toxins serve as a defense mechanism against herbivores. In animals, venomous creatures like snakes and spiders inject cytotoxins to immobilize or kill their prey.

The human body also produces cytotoxins. A notable example is perforin, a protein secreted by cytotoxic T lymphocytes and natural killer cells. Perforin forms pores in the membranes of target cells, such as virus-infected cells or cancer cells, leading to their destruction. Understanding the nature and function of cytotoxins is crucial in various fields, including medicine, toxicology, and immunology, as it informs the development of treatments for diseases and the understanding of biological interactions.