A cholesterol-dependent toxin that causes cytolysis by forming pores in cholesterol-containing host membranes (PubMed:6997696). After binding to target membranes, the protein undergoes a major conformation change, leading to its insertion in the host membrane and formation of an oligomeric pore complex. Cholesterol is required for binding to host membranes, membrane insertion and pore formation; cholesterol binding is mediated by a Thr-Leu pair in the C-terminus (By similarity). Cytolysis of host cells is inhibited by cholesterol. Homooligomeric pore complex containing 35-50 subunits; when inserted in the host membrane. Secreted as soluble protein that then inserts into the host cell membrane and forms huge pores formed by transmembrane beta-strands. Purified 48 and 53 kDa proteins with 4 different pIs (6.1, 5.6, 5.3 and 6.6) in decreasing order of activity. Belongs to the cholesterol-dependent cytolysin family.