Shiga toxin (Stx) is a major virulence factor of enterohemorrhagicEscherichia colithat occasionally causes fatal systemic complications. We recently developed a tetravalent peptide (PPP-tet) that neutralizes the cytotoxicity of Stx2 using a multivalent peptide library approach. In this study, we used this technique to identify a series of tetravalent peptides that bound to Stx1, another major Stx family member, with high affinity by targeting one receptor-binding site of the B subunit. One peptide, MMA-tet, markedly inhibited Stx1 and Stx2 cytotoxicity with greater potency than PPP-tet. After forming a complex with Stx1 through its specific receptor-binding region, MMA-tet did not affect vesicular transport of the toxin to the endoplasmic reticulum but substantially rescued inhibition of the protein synthesis induced by Stx1. Oral application of MMA-tet protected mice from a fatal dose of anE. coliO157:H7 strain producing both toxins. MMA-tet may be a promising therapeutic agent against the infection.
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