Pseudomonas aeruginosa Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (LPS)

Pseudomonas aeruginosa Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a complex glycolipid and a primary component of the outer membrane of the Gram-negative bacterium P. aeruginosa. It consists of three distinct regions: the hydrophobic lipid A, which anchors the molecule in the membrane; a core oligosaccharide; and a distal O-antigen polysaccharide chain. LPS is a critical virulence factor that maintains the structural integrity of the bacterial cell wall, protects the organism from host immune defenses and antibiotics, and mediates attachment to host tissues. It is also a potent inducer of the host innate immune response, primarily through its interaction with the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/MD-2 complex, which can lead to systemic inflammation and sepsis. Therapeutically, LPS is targeted by several classes of agents, including polymyxins that bind to lipid A and monoclonal antibodies that target specific O-antigen serotypes or other surface polysaccharides like Psl and alginate. Challenges in targeting LPS include the high structural diversity of O-antigens across different strains and the potential for severe toxicity associated with systemic LPS release or the use of certain LPS-binding antibiotics.

Other names

LipopolysaccharideLPSEndotoxinO-antigenSurface polysaccharideP. aeruginosa LPSLipid ACore oligosaccharideAlginatePsl exopolysaccharidePel exopolysaccharide

Binding to Lipid A to disrupt the outer membrane (Polymyxins); Opsonization and neutralization of O-antigen to promote phagocytosis (Monoclonal antibodies); Inhibition of LPS transport to the outer membrane by targeting LptD (Murepavadin); Inhibition of biofilm formation and host attachment (Anti-Psl/Alginate antibodies).