Lipopolysaccharide and pathogen-associated glycans (LPS)

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), specifically its Lipid A component, and various pathogen-associated glycans are critical structural components of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria and other pathogens (StatPearls, NBK554414). These molecules function as potent Pathogen-Associated Molecular Patterns (PAMPs) that are recognized by the host's innate immune system, primarily through Pattern Recognition Receptors (PRRs) like Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) (UniProt, P33778). In the context of infection, the release of these molecules into the bloodstream can trigger an overactive immune response, leading to sepsis and septic shock (PubMed, 11544354). Therapeutically, these molecules are targeted by certain antibiotics, such as polymyxins, which bind to LPS to disrupt the bacterial membrane (DrugBank, DB00781). Other therapeutic strategies involve neutralizing agents like alkaline phosphatase, which dephosphorylates Lipid A to mitigate the inflammatory cascade (PubMed, 23433058). Despite their importance, targeting these molecules directly in systemic infection remains challenging due to the risk of toxicity and the complexity of the host's inflammatory response (Nature Reviews Drug Discovery, nrd3277).

Other names

EndotoxinLipid AMicrobial glycansPathogen-associated molecular patternsPAMPsO-antigen

Direct binding and neutralization of microbial endotoxins, disruption of bacterial outer membrane integrity, and enzymatic dephosphorylation to reduce pro-inflammatory activity.