Abstract: The present invention relates to cytolytic bi-component protein complexes consisting of a plurality of molecules of a member of the aegerolysin family and a plurality of molecules of a member of the MACPF superfamily, and particularly to their use for controlling a plant pest, such as for controlling Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata) or Western corn rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera). More specifically, the invention relates to transgenic plants forming cytolytic bi-component protein complexes by a plurality of molecules of one of the aegerolysins ostreolysin and pleurotolysin A with a plurality of molecules of pleurotolysin B (PlyB) or similar proteins, which have been transformed into said plants to be toxic for the aforementioned agricultural pest insects.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cytolytic bi-component protein complexes consisting of a plurality of molecules of a member of the aegerolysin family and a plurality of molecules of a member of the MACPF superfamily, and particularly to their use for controlling a plant pest, such as for controlling Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata) or Western corn rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera). More specifically, the invention relates to cytolytic bi-component protein complexes formed by a plurality of molecules of one of the aegerolysins ostreolysin A6 (OlyA6), pleurotolysin A2 (PlyA2) and erylysin A (EryA) with a plurality of molecules of pleurotolysin B (PlyB) or similar proteins, which have been shown to be toxic for the aforementioned agricultural pest insects.