FIG. 9.

Model of hemolysis and cytotoxicity induced by TDH. In erythrocytes, TDH forms pores in the nonraft region on the membrane of erythrocytes in the presence or absence of lipid rafts. The pores are enough for the colloidal osmotic lysis of erythrocytes. In nucleated cells, TDH forms pores in the nonraft region on the plasma membrane in the presence or absence of lipid rafts. When lipid rafts are disrupted, nucleated cells may repair the pores, resulting in cell survival. When lipid rafts are intact, TDH can be associated with these rafts, and concentrated TDH may cause irreversible membrane disruption or other cytotoxic events in lipid rafts. The damage to the membrane that cannot be repaired by cells results in cell death.