Structure of the complete 14-subunit botulinum neurotoxin B complex reveals a unique anchoring through the narrow central pore of HA70

Sci Adv. 2025 Aug 29;11(35):eadx5058. doi: 10.1126/sciadv.adx5058. Epub 2025 Aug 27.

Abstract

Botulinum neurotoxin serotype B1 (BoNT/B) is a highly potent neurotoxin and therapeutic agent. Here, we present the structure of the complete 14-subunit (780 kDa) progenitor toxin complex (L-PTC) and of five subcomplexes. The structures show how the toxin interacts with its associated components in their role to protect and deliver BoNT/B across epithelial barriers. Each subcomplex, including the M-PTC, M-PTC-HA70, NTNH-HA70, and HA70 trimer, provides detailed understanding of the assembly mechanism, in which the NTNH-nLoop adopts a unique fold that locks the M-PTC into a central pore formed by HA70. The HA subcomplex presents a tripod architecture with flexible legs that may adapt to the rugged cell surface. Mass photometry reveals the pH dependence of BoNT/B release from the complex which is unexpectedly influenced by the presence of HA70. This study provides the complete L-PTC structure, offering insights into its assemblage and supporting the development of countermeasures and therapeutic applications.

MeSH terms

  • Botulinum Toxins* / chemistry
  • Botulinum Toxins* / metabolism
  • Botulinum Toxins, Type A* / chemistry
  • Botulinum Toxins, Type A* / metabolism
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Models, Molecular
  • Protein Binding
  • Protein Conformation
  • Protein Multimerization
  • Protein Subunits* / chemistry
  • Protein Subunits* / metabolism

Substances

  • rimabotulinumtoxinB
  • Botulinum Toxins, Type A
  • Protein Subunits
  • Botulinum Toxins