Tetanus Neurotoxin Peptide (TeNT Peptide)

Tetanus toxin peptide refers to a segment derived from the tetanus neurotoxin (TeNT), a potent protein toxin produced by the bacterium *Clostridium tetani*. The full-length tetanus neurotoxin is responsible for the clinical syndrome of tetanus and is one of the most powerful neurotoxins known. It inhibits neurotransmitter release, particularly of inhibitory neurotransmitters, leading to spastic paralysis. Specific peptide fragments are used in research for immunological studies, vaccine development, and investigating mechanisms of synaptic transmission. While the full toxin is highly dangerous, peptide fragments are generally used as research tools or vaccine components, having lower toxicity profiles.

Other names

Tetanus Toxin FragmentTeNT FragmentClostridium tetani neurotoxin peptideFragment C (TTFC)Tetanus toxin heavy chain peptideTetanus toxin light chain peptide

The tetanus toxin light chain functions as a zinc-dependent endopeptidase, cleaving VAMP/synaptobrevin and blocking the release of inhibitory neurotransmitters (GABA and glycine) in the central nervous system.