Shigella flexneri 6 O-antigen polysaccharide

The Shigella flexneri 6 O-antigen polysaccharide is a component of the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) outer membrane of Shigella flexneri serotype 6 bacteria, differing from the common backbone shared by most other S. flexneri serotypes (e.g., serotype Y). It consists of repeating oligosaccharide units that contribute to serotype specificity through structural variations, including potential phage-mediated modifications like glucosylation or O-acetylation, though specific modifications for serotype 6 are less detailed compared to others. This polysaccharide is recognized by antibodies such as those in serological assays and plays a key role in eliciting host immune responses, making it relevant for vaccine development targeting Shigella infections. Structural studies note its distinction from the basic tetrasaccharide repeat [→3)-β-D-GlcpNAc-(1→2)-α-L-RhapII-(1→2)-α-L-RhapIII-(1→3)-α-L-RhapI-(1→ of serotype Y, with serotype 6 sharing some group 1 antigen features but having a unique O-antigen profile. Conformational flexibility, potentially helical, aids in antibody binding and immune evasion.

Other names

S. flexneri serotype 6 O-antigenShigella flexneri 6 O-polysaccharide