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Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157:H7 Shiga Toxins Inhibit Interferon-gamma Mediated Cellular Activation
Infection and Immunity, 05/10/2012
Exclusive author commentary
Ho NK et al. – The authors conclude that while other factors are likely involved in the suppression of IFNγ–mediated Stat–1 tyrosine phosphorylation, E. coli–derived Shiga toxins represent a novel mechanism by which Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) evades the host immune system.
Philip M. Sherman (05/11/2012) comments:
We have demonstrated that E. coli derived Shiga toxins do more than destroy endothelial cells and cause hemolytic-uremic syndrome.
Our research adds to the mounting body of evidence that E. coli O157:H7 has an arsenal of proteins that work in a concerted and redundant manner to subvert host cell signal transduction processes.
These findings warrant further investigation, because novel prevention and intervention strategies for combating this zoonotic enteric bacterial pathogen could well emerge as a result of such research.
