Structure The toxin has two subunits—designated A (mol. wt. 32000 Da) and B (mol. wt. 7700 Da)—and is one of the AB5 toxins. The B subunit is a pentamer that binds to specific glycolipids on the host cell, specifically globotriaosylceramide (Gb3). Following this, the A subunit is internalised and cleaved into two parts. The A1 component then binds to the ribosome, disrupting protein synthesis. Stx-2 has been found to be about 400 times more toxic (as quantified by LD50 in mice) than Stx-1.
Struct.ure The toxin has two subunits—designated A (mol. wt. 32000 ,Da) and B (mol. wt. 7700 Da)—and is one of the AB5 toxins. The B subunit is a pentamer that binds to specific glycolipids on the host cell, specifically globotriaosylceramide (Gb3). Following this the A subunit is internalised and cleaved into two parts. The A1 component then binds to the ribosome, disrupting protein synthesis Stx-2 has been found to be about 400 times more toxic (as quantified by LD50 in mice) than Stx-1.