Shiga-like toxins and HIV-1 'go through' glycosphingolipids and lipid rafts in renal cells.

The binding of Shiga-like toxins (Stx) to globotriaosyl ceramide (Gb(3)) in renal cells plays a central role in Stx-induced hemolytic uremic syndrome (Stx-HUS). Khan et al. show that the presence of Gb(3) within lipid raft microdomains in glomerular but not tubular cells may be the basis for the glomerular- and age-restricted pathology of Stx-HUS. They also propose that the binding of the HIV-1 glycoprotein gp120 to Gb(3) in renal tubules may play a role in HIV nephropathy.