Pseudomonas aeruginosa Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)

Pseudomonas aeruginosa lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a major component of the outer membrane of this Gram-negative bacterium. It plays a critical role in the organism’s structural integrity, virulence, and interactions with host immune systems. LPS is essential for bacterial survival and pathogenicity, contributing to resistance against host defenses and antibiotics. LPS consists of three main regions: Lipid A (endotoxin), core oligosaccharide, and O-antigen. As a virulence factor it protects P. aeruginosa from environmental threats including antimicrobial peptides and complement-mediated killing. Host pattern recognition receptors detect lipid A moieties through TLR4/MD2/CD14 complexes, triggering inflammatory responses that can lead to sepsis if uncontrolled. Variations in LPS structure during biofilm growth enhance bacterial persistence and resistance mechanisms within host tissues or medical devices.

Other names

P. aeruginosa LPSP. aeruginosa EndotoxinLipopolysaccharide

Polymyxins bind to lipid A, disrupting the bacterial membrane. TLR4 antagonists block LPS-induced immune activation.