Globotriosyl ceramide is specifically recognized by the Escherichia coli verocytotoxin 2

Two Escherichia coli cytotoxins (verotoxins 1 and 2) have been previously implicated in the cytopathology of the Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome. We have examined the glycolipid binding specificity of verotoxin (VT)2. This toxin specifically binds to globotriosyl ceramide (galactose alpha 1-4 galactose beta 1-4 glucosyl ceramide). Removal, or substitution of the terminal a galactose residue with N-acetyl galactosamine in beta 1-3 linkage, deletes binding activity. The toxin does not recognize similar terminal a galactose residues on a glycoglycerolipid. Thus the binding specificity of VT2 is the same as previously reported for VT1. Liposomes containing globotriosyl ceramide are able to specifically remove VT1 and VT2 cytotoxicity and cell lines selected in vitro for resistance to VT1 are cross resistant to VT2.