Molecular architecture and activation of the insecticidal protein Vip3Aa from Bacillus thuringiensis

Abstract

Bacillus thuringiensis Vip3 (Vegetative Insecticidal Protein 3) toxins are widely used in biotech crops to control Lepidopteran pests. Here authors present the cryo-EM structures of the protoxin and the protease-activated state of Vip3Aa which shed light on the molecular basis for Vip3 activation.