HlgB
HlgB, short for gamma-hemolysin component B, is a secreted protein produced by Staphylococcus aureus as part of the gamma-hemolysin leukotoxin family. It serves as the B subunit of a bicomponent toxin system and typically pairs with HlgA to form HlgAB or with HlgC to form HlgCB. The genes encoding these subunits are organized in the hlgABC operon, and HlgB is typically around 30–35 kDa in size.
The gamma-hemolysin toxins are pore-forming cytotoxins. After secretion, HlgB associates with its partner subunit on the
Expression of HlgB and its associated toxins is regulated by bacterial virulence networks, including the agr
Clinically, gamma-hemolysins, including HlgB-containing toxins, are linked to virulence in a range of S. aureus infections.