Induction of verotoxin sensitivity in receptor-deficient cell lines using the receptor glycolipid globotriosylceramide.

Verotoxin 1 is an Escherichia coli-derived subunit toxin that specifically binds to the glycolipid globotriosylceramide and is cytotoxic for cells that contain this plasma membrane glycolipid. Glycolipid incorporation experiments have now been performed using human lymphoid cells of the B lineage that lack this receptor, to conclusively demonstrate that globotriosylceramide alone is a functional receptor for this toxin. Globotriosylceramide incorporated into the membrane of toxin-resistant cells provides intracellular access to verotoxin by receptor-mediated endocytosis. Protein synthesis is then inhibited and globotriosylceramide-containing cells are killed.