Abstract: The invention provides methods for treating, delaying, and preventing pathological conditions caused by pore-forming toxins such as anthrax toxin, ?-hemolysin toxin, and ?-toxin using a class of low molecular weight compounds that block the pore formed by these toxins. Specific compounds useful for treating, preventing, or delaying a disease condition caused by Bacillus anthracis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Clostridium perfringens are identified.

Abstract: The invention provides low molecular weight compounds that block the pore formed by protective antigen and inhibit anthrax toxin action. Structures of the compounds are derivatives of ?-cyclodextrin. Per-substituted alkylamino derivates displayed inhibitory activity, and they were protective against anthrax lethal toxin action at low micromolar concentrations. Also, the addition of one of the alkylamino derivatives to the bilayer lipid membrane with multiple PA channels caused a significant decrease in membrane conductance. Thus, the invention also provides methods for protection against anthrax toxicity.

Abstract: This invention provides a new generalized method for screening, identifying, selecting and designing symmetry-based compounds useful for blocking pores or prepores formed by pathogenic agents including bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, and other proteins capable of forming pores on cellular membranes as a step in the pathogenic mechanism of the agent. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions, filtering devices, and treatment methods useful for preventing, delaying, or otherwise altering the pathogenesis of the pore-forming pathogenic agents.