a chemical conjugate of the cholera toxin B-subunit
and the ribosome-inactivating protein, saporin
targets cells expressing GM1 receptor

Cholera toxin B (CTB) binds the GM1 (Galactosyl-N-Acetylgalactosaminyl) receptor. This receptor is found on cells such as motoneurons, sympathetic pre-ganglionic neurons, as well as cells in the intestinal epithelium.

Elimination of Specific Cell Type

• Cells expressing GM1 (galactosyl-N-Acetylgalactosaminyl) receptor, including preganglionic neurons, motoneurons, and astrocytes.
• All other cells are left untouched.

Effective Tool to Study Disease States

• Intrathecal injection of CTB-SAP results in elimination of oligodendrocytes and astrocytes and the subsequent demyelination of the spinal cord. CTB-SAP allows the study of a number of demyelinating conditions.