Shiga toxins

Shiga toxin and Shiga-like toxins belong to the group of protein toxins whi ch have a moiety that binds to the cell surface and another enzymatically a ctive moiety that after entry into the cytosol inhibits protein synthesis e nzymatically. The toxins can also cause apoptosis by mechanisms that may be different from the effect on the protein synthesis machinery. Shigella dys enteriae, some strains of Escherichia coli as well as other bacteria can se crete such toxins which cause serious complications during infections. An i ncreasing knowledge about the toxins and their interactions with cells is i mportant both for treatment of disease, and for elucidation of pathways of intracellular transport. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved .