Streptolysin O protein

Sulfhydryl-activated toxin that causes cytolysis by forming pores in cholesterol containing host membranes. After binding to target membranes, the protein undergoes a major conformation change, leading to its insertion in the host membrane and formation of an oligomeric pore complex. Cholesterol may be required for binding to host membranes, membrane insertion and pore formation. Can be reversibly inactivated by oxidation.