Shigella O-antigen polysaccharides (null)

The Shigella O-antigen polysaccharide is a highly diverse and structurally variable carbohydrate component linked to the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the outer membrane of Shigella species. It is composed of repeating oligosaccharide units (typically 3–6 sugars per unit) with variations in sugar composition, branching, and chemical modifications such as glucosylation and O-acetylation[1][4][8][9]. The O-antigen is critical for serotype identity, immune recognition, bacterial virulence, and environmental survival, acting as a protective shield against host defenses and external stresses[7][10][12]. Its diversity is driven by host immune selection and bacteriophage pressure, presenting both a challenge and opportunity for vaccine design and diagnostics. Genes encoding O-antigen biosynthesis are clustered in the bacterial genome and exhibit high variability to enable structural diversity among serotypes[1][2][4]. The O-antigen polysaccharide does not serve as a receptor, enzyme, or transporter, but it functions as a key antigen and virulence factor for Shigella bacteria.

Other names

Shigella O-antigenShigella O-specific polysaccharideShigella LPS O-antigenShigella O-polysaccharide

Induction of protective antibodies against specific serotypes (vaccine mechanism) Antibody-mediated opsonization and destruction