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Five Americans died in 2001 after anthrax spores were sent through the mail. And until now scientists have been uncertain how this infectious disease can so quickly paralyze immunity in its victims.

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But University of Florida researchers have demonstrated for the first time exactly how inhalation anthrax sets up a roadblock against white blood cells, the first-responders to anthrax's attack on the body. New research shows that anthrax lethal toxin actually interferes with signals that direct these immune cells to the site of infection. Researchers found a single protein called Hspᆯ that is blocked by anthrax toxin. Experts think first responders to a suspected anthrax attack could one day use a field test to look for injury to this specific protein, a telltale marker that would immediately confirm anthrax exposure.

Dr. Fred Southwick / UF infectious disease expert

"If there is another bioterrorism attack, we, using these diagnostic tools, we should be able to differentiate those who have the flu or a simple viral illness from those who're beginning to develop true anthrax."

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U-F experts say discovery of this single protein that's so key to the body's ability to destroy anthrax is the scientific equivalent of finding a needle in a haystack. Researchers add that attacks on the body that come from within, such as rheumatoid arthritis, can cause excessive inflammation in cells similar to the damage anthrax causes. Further understanding how cells behave under these conditions might one day lead to a new method for controlling more common forms of inflammation.

Dr. Fred Southwick / UF infectious disease expert

"It is possible that understanding this pathway, in addition to understanding how anthrax causes disease, we may actually use this to our advantage to actually control excessive inflammation."

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At the University of Florida Health Science Center, I'm Mike Garrison