NetB, a Pore-Forming Toxin from Necrotic Enteritis Strains of Clostridium perfringens

Abstract

The Clostridium perfringens necrotic enteritis B-like toxin (NetB) is a recently discovered member of the β-barrel pore-forming toxin family and is produced by a subset of avian C. perfringens type A strains. NetB is cytotoxic for avian cells and is associated with avian necrotic enteritis. This review examines the current state of knowledge of NetB: its role in pathogenesis, its distribution and expression in C. perfringens and its vaccine potential.

Keywords

• NetB
• necrotic enteritis
• Clostridium perfringens
• pore-forming toxin