A potential therapeutic peptide-based neutralizer that potently inhibits Shiga toxin 2 in vitro and in vivo

Shiga toxin 2 (Stx2) is a major virulence factor in infections with Stx-producing Escherichia coli (STEC), which can cause serious clinical complications in humans, such as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Recently, we screened and identified two peptide-based Stx2 neutralizers, TF-1 and WA-8, which specifically and directly bind to Stx2. Computer simulations suggested that the majority of TF-1 or WA-8 binds tightly at the receptor-binding site 3 of Stx2. The two peptides also effectively inhibited the cytotoxic activity of Stx2 by blocking the binding of Stx2 to target cells. TF-1 exhibits remarkable therapeutic potency in both mice and rat toxicity models. In mice toxicity models, TF-1 provided full protection when mice were injected with 5 LD50 of Stx2. In rat toxicity models, TF-1 reduced fatal tissue damage and completely protected rats from the lethal challenges of Stx2. In these rats, TF-1 significantly decreased the concentration of Stx2 in blood and diminished tissue distribution levels of Stx2. Furthermore, TF-1 effectively protected rats from the pathological effects caused by Stx2, especially in the kidney, thymus, adrenal gland, and lung. Taken together, these results indicate that TF-1 is a promising therapeutic agent against the pathogenicity of Stx2.