Legionella pneumophila Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) Antibody

Background

Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) are large molecules found in the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria, playing a crucial role in the structural integrity of bacterial cells and acting as a potent activator of the immune system. Composed of lipid A, a core oligosaccharide, and an O-antigen polysaccharide, LPS is a critical factor in bacterial pathogenicity. Lipid A is the bioactive component that triggers immune responses by binding to the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) complex on immune cells, leading to the activation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 and TNF-alpha. While LPS is essential for host defense, its excessive activation can result in septic shock, characterized by systemic inflammation, organ failure, and high mortality. Therapeutic strategies targeting LPS-TLR4 signaling pathways are being explored to manage sepsis and other inflammatory conditions.