Brian Vega

Dr. Brian Vega


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

8Years (2019-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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26 August 2019 in Toxins
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
BVBrian Vega
Brian Vega
BJBenjamin A. Belinka Jr.
Benjamin A. Belinka Jr.
SKScott Kachlany
Scott Kachlany
Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans is an oral pathogen that produces the RTX toxin, leukotoxin (LtxA; Leukothera®). A. actinomycetemcomitans is strongly associated with the development of localized aggressive periodontitis. LtxA acts as a virulence factor for A. actinomycetemcomitans to subvert the host immune response by binding to the β2 integrin lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1; CD11a/CD18) on white blood cells (WBCs), causing cell death. In this paper, we reviewed the state of knowledge on LtxA interaction with WBCs and the subsequent mechanisms of induced cell death. Finally, we touched on the potential therapeutic applications of LtxA (trade name Leukothera®) toxin therapy for the treatment of hematological malignancies and immune-mediated diseases.