Structure/function relationships of lipoteichoic acids.
The role of lipoteichoic acids (LTAs) from Gram-positive bacteria as immunostimulatory molecules was controversial for many years, as inadequate preparation methods as well as heterogeneous and endotoxin-contaminated commercial preparations led to conflicting results. An improved purification methodology for LTA now yields potent bioactive and chemically defined material, which is currently being characterized in various models. A synthetic analogue of Staphylococcus aureus LTA has proven the structure/function relationship. The key role of D-alanine esters for the immune response of LTA was confirmed by synthetic derivatives. The glycolipid anchor of LTA plays a central role analogous to the lipid A of LPS. Methodological aspects and criteria for quality assessment of LTA preparations are discussed.
Morath
Siegfried
S
Department of Biochemical Pharmacology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany.
von Aulock
Sonja
S
Hartung
Thomas
T
D008070:Lipopolysaccharides / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000494:pharmacology*; D009682:Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; D008958:Models, Molecular; D015394:Molecular Structure; D013329:Structure-Activity Relationship; D013682:Teichoic Acids / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000494:pharmacology*
D008070:Lipopolysaccharides; D013682:Teichoic Acids; C009900:lipoteichoic acid