Advance in Shiga toxin

Shiga toxin (Stx), which can be divided into Shiga toxin 1 (Stx1) and Shiga toxin 2 (Stx2), is an important virulence factor of Shigella spp. and certain strains of Escherichia coli. Stx, encoded by λ-like phage, blocks protein synthesis through removal of an adenine residue from the 28S rRNA. Stx can also induce apoptosis through multiple pathways. Humans may suffer from diarrhea, hemorrhagic colitis (HC) and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) and even death when infected with Shiga toxin-producing bacteria. At present, there is no specific treatment for diseases caused by Stx. In recent years, the application of Stx in cancer therapy and imaging has aroused great interest. This review provided a brief overview of Stx in its nomenclature, typing, structure, genetics, pathogenesis and application perspectives. Key words: Shiga toxin; Shigella dysenteriae; Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli; λ-like phage