“…A number of studies have shown that the renal cell lines HK-2 [ 54 , 55 , 56 , 57 , 58 , 59 ] and ACHN [ 60 , 61 , 62 , 63 , 64 ] derived from human tubule epithelium are sensitive to Stx, suggesting that injuries to this epithelium are involved in the development of acute renal failure in HUS. HK-2 and ACHN cells harbor globotriaosylceramide (Gb3Cer) [ 58 , 60 , 62 ], and the various lipoforms of Stx-binding Gb3Cer of the ACHN cell line have been recently identified [ 65 ]. Furthermore, Stx-mediated cytopathic action has also been shown for primary human renal glomerular and tubular epithelial cells [ 66 , 67 , 68 , 69 , 70 , 71 , 72 ], suggesting contribution of renal epithelial cells in Stx-mediated kidney failure as previously shown in a mouse model [ 73 , 74 ].…”