Induction of apoptosis in normal human renal tubular epithelial cells by Escherichia coli Shiga toxins 1 and 2

The cytotoxicity of Shiga toxin (Stx) 1 and Stx2 produced by Escherichia coli to human renal cortical epithelial cells (HRCEC) in primary culture was investigated. HRCEC express CD24, the marker of renal distal tubules, as well as globotriaosyl ceramide/CD77, the receptor for Stxs. Binding of Stxs to HRCEC was confirmed by positive staining with specific antibodies to Stxs. Treatment of HRCEC with Stxs induced rapid cell death, which was reversed in the presence of neutralizing antibody specific for Stx. DNA fragmentation was found to be accompanied by Stx-mediated cell death in HRCEC, indicating that apoptosis was part of the process. These data and previous reports indicate that a variety of renal cell types, including tubular epithelial cells as well as glomerular capillary endothelial cells, may be targets for Stx-mediated apoptosis, which could contribute to the pathogenesis of hemolytic-uremic syndrome caused by Stx-producing E. coli infection.