botulinum toxin type F

Botulinum toxin type F is one of the seven antigenically distinct serotypes (A–G) of botulinum neurotoxins produced by the bacterium *Clostridium botulinum* and related species. Like other serotypes, it acts as a potent neurotoxin that blocks neuromuscular transmission by inhibiting acetylcholine release at the neuromuscular junction. Botulinum toxins achieve this effect by binding irreversibly to presynaptic cholinergic nerve terminals and cleaving specific proteins in the SNARE complex required for vesicle fusion and neurotransmitter release. Specifically, type F cleaves synaptobrevin (also known as VAMP), a key component of the SNARE complex[6][8]. This results in flaccid paralysis of affected muscles. While types A and B are most commonly used clinically, type F has been investigated for therapeutic applications such as spastic disorders and dystonias[1][8]. Type A is considered most potent, followed by types B and then F[8].

Other names

BoNT/Fbotulinum neurotoxin type FClostridium botulinum neurotoxin serotype F