Characterisation of a novel Clostridioides difficile toxin

Clostridioides difficile is a bacterium that causes diarrhoea in humans and animals through toxic components. This work is part of the description of the first new toxic factor identified in the field in over 30 years, which comprises a genetic characterisation of the novel toxin. Furthermore, by using mouse models of infection, we have discovered that this toxin affects pathways that might favour the persistence of the bacterium in the gut. Altogether, we have provided new insight into the avenues by which C. difficile can interact with its host, offering a platform for future studies to explore this novel factor.