Abstract
This chapter describes the various aspects of the Shiga toxins and their interactions with cells. Shiga and Shiga-like toxins (Stxs) are produced by bacteria able to cause infectious disease. These protein toxins belong to the group of A-B toxins. Contaminated water and food are major sources of infection with bacteria producing Shiga toxins. The Shiga toxins can in some cells induce synthesis of cytokines and the toxins are able to cause apoptosis. In most cells, apoptosis seems to be caused by ribotoxic stress. Furthermore, binding of these toxins can induce signaling cascades that may contribute to the entry and the effects observed. Studies so far reveal that although the Shiga toxins are related, their effects differ, and the outcome of an infection with bacteria producing one or more of these toxins is dependent on the type of toxin produced. Increased understanding of the mode of action of Shiga toxins is important both to prevent and to cure toxin-induced disease. Importantly, Shiga toxins can also be used as tools in medicine and biology.
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