Functional significance of membrane associated proteolysis in the toxicity of Bacillus thuringiensis Cry3Aa toxin against Colorado potato beetle

► An ADAM recognition motif in Bt Cry3Aa toxin domain II is essential for Cry3Aa CPB membrane associated proteolytic processing. ► Cry3Aa toxin membrane interaction through domain II recognition motif is functionally relevant for CPB toxicity. ► Disturbance of membrane integrity affects Cry3Aa toxin membrane associated proteolysis and toxicity against CPB.