Certain toxins, such as cholera toxin and pertussis toxin, can manipulate adenylate cyclase activity. Cholera toxin, for instance, permanently activates adenylate cyclase, leading to excessive cAMP production. This results in prolonged ion secretion and water loss in the intestines, manifesting as severe diarrhea. Pertussis toxin affects adenylate cyclase indirectly by inhibiting G-protein signaling, reducing cAMP levels and altering immune cell function.
