Interaction of Shiga toxin 2 with complement regulators of the factor H protein family.

Highlights: [•] Role of complement regulatory proteins in the pathogenesis of Stx-associated HUS. [•] Shiga toxin 2 (Stx2) binds to the factor H (FH) family proteins FHR-1 and FHL-1. [•] FHR-1 binds to Stx2 via its C-terminal region (SCRs 3–5). [•] FHR-1 competes with FH for Stx2 binding leading to reduced cofactor activity of FH. [•] FHL-1 retains its cofactor activity in the fluid phase when bound to Stx2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]