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Mycobacterial lipids: a historical perspective
1Universite Paul Sabatier (Toulouse 3) and Institut de Pharmacologie et de Biologie Structurale du CNRS, 205 route de Narbonne, 31077 Toulouse, Cedex, France.
Frontiers in Bioscience : a Journal and Virtual Library
|September 30, 1998
Summary
Mycobacterial lipids, including mycolic acids and various glycolipids, have diverse structures and activities. This review covers their known properties and biological roles in the mycobacterial cell envelope.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Lipid Chemistry
Background:
- Mycobacterial lipids are crucial components of the outer cell envelope.
- Their structural diversity and biological activities have been studied for over 70 years.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a historical perspective and current status of major mycobacterial lipids.
- To detail the structure and activity of mycolic acids and key glycolipids.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing scientific literature.
- Analysis of experimental data and established knowledge.
- Distinguishing between proven facts and current hypotheses.
Main Results:
- Mycolic acids are primary cell wall constituents.
- Glycolipids like cord factor, SL, DAT, PGL, GPL, LOS, and LAM exhibit toxic or immunological properties.
- The study differentiates established findings from speculative information.
Conclusions:
- Mycobacterial lipids possess a wide range of structures and functions.
- Understanding these lipids is vital for comprehending mycobacterial cell biology and pathogenesis.