[Lipopolysaccharide--a Target for the Development of Novel Drugs Being Aimed at Gram-Negative Bacteria]

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), the important component of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria, contributes to the integrity of the outer membrane, and protects the cell against bactericidal agents. LPS, also called endotoxin synonymously, is well known as a potent inducer of the innate immune system that often causes septic shock in the intensive cares. Chemically, the amphiphilic LPS is made up of three parts, i.e., hydrophobic lipid A, hydrophilic core oligosaccharide chain, and hydrophilic O-antigenic polysaccharide side chain. Specially, the lipid A is known to be responsible for a variety of biological effects during Gram-negative sepsis. LPS can elicit a strong response from innate immune system and result in local or systemic adverse reactions. LPS can trigger massive inflammatory responses and may result in immunopathology, for which the molecular basis is mediated by the signal path- way of LPS. In recent years, a tremendous progress has been made in determining the associated proteins and receptors in the LPS signaling that leads to the disease. This review gives a summary of recent progresses of research on LPS and LPS receptors.