TcdA is an enterotoxin that targets the epithelial cells lining the intestine. It binds to cell surface receptors and is internalized, where it glucosylates small GTPases in the cytoplasm. This disrupts the cytoskeleton, resulting in cell rounding, loss of cell-to-cell adhesion, and eventually cell death. The damage to the intestinal lining facilitates inflammation and allows TcdB to penetrate deeper into tissues.
