What forms pores within pathogens in order to cause the invader to burst and disintegrate?

Pore-forming toxins (PFTs) are a type of virulence factor produced by various pathogens, including bacteria, fungi, and some viruses. These toxins insert themselves into the cell membranes of host cells or competing microbes, creating pores that disrupt membrane integrity. This disruption leads to ion imbalance, loss of cellular function, and ultimately causes the targeted cell to burst and disintegrate, facilitating the spread of the pathogen.