Impact of macrophages on neutrophils and endothelial cells in the kidney in hemolytic uremic syndrome induced by shiga toxin-producing E.coli

Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is a serious and currently untreatable disease, which is induced by contaminated food with certain strains of E. coli bacteria, known as STEC (Shiga toxin-producing E. coli). This disease leads to severe complications and often requires costly medical care that significantly impacts quality of life. After ingestion of contaminated food, STEC bacteria infects the intestine and releases shiga toxins. This toxin enters the bloodstream and damages small blood vessels, especially in the kidneys and brain, leading to life-threatening complications. Our findings shed light on how immune cells contribute to the severity of Shiga toxin-induced HUS and point to new avenues to reduce the disease in the future.