Campylobacter jejuni lipooligosaccharide (LOS)

Campylobacter jejuni lipooligosaccharide (LOS) is a critical glycolipid component of the outer membrane of Campylobacter jejuni, a leading cause of bacterial gastroenteritis worldwide (Frontiers in Microbiology, 2020). Unlike typical lipopolysaccharides, LOS lacks an O-antigen but contains a lipid A moiety and a core oligosaccharide that often mimics human gangliosides, such as GM1 and GD1a (PNAS, 2004). This molecular mimicry is the primary driver of post-infectious autoimmune disorders, most notably Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), where host antibodies against LOS cross-react with peripheral nerves (European Journal of Microbiology and Immunology, 2012). LOS also functions as a potent endotoxin, activating Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) to trigger pro-inflammatory cytokine production and contributing to the severity of enteritis (Journal of Biological Chemistry, 2013). Beyond its role in pathogenesis, LOS provides a permeability barrier against hydrophobic antibiotics and protects the bacterium from host innate immune factors like cationic antimicrobial peptides (Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, 2009). Consequently, LOS is a significant target for vaccine development and a focal point for understanding antibiotic resistance and autoimmune triggers in campylobacteriosis (MDPI, 2021).

Other names

Lipo-oligosaccharideCampylobacter jejuni endotoxinC. jejuni LOSLipooligosaccharide

Binding to the lipid A moiety to disrupt bacterial membrane integrity; acting as a permeability barrier for hydrophobic antibiotics; and induction of protective antibodies via glycoconjugate vaccination.