title: [Neisseria meningitidis. The pathophysiological role of lipopolysaccharides in association with meningococcal disease and septic shock].
abstract: A major pro-inflammatory and toxic component of N. meningitidis is lipopolysaccharide (LPS). LPS contributes to severe symptoms of meningococcal disease, septic shock and severe coagulopathy, in part by increasing pro-inflammatory mechanisms and reactive oxygen species. Recent technologies have increased the likelihood of developing an anti-meningococcal immunization strategy based upon the virulence of LPS which may lead to a vaccination against this important pathogen including serogroup B disease. This review summarizes recent findings that may provide a safe, effective prophylaxis and therapy.
authors.affiliation: Københavns Universitet, Det Sundhedsvidenskabelige Fakultet, Afdeling for Neuroprotektion, København N. mieped@stud.ku.dk
authors.forename: Mie Østergaard
authors.initials: MØ
authors.lastname: Pedersen
authors.forename: Dan Sonne
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Pedersen
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pedersen
authors.forename: Milena
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Penkowa
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008070:Lipopolysaccharides / Q000276:immunology*; D008589:Meningococcal Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D022401:Meningococcal Vaccines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009345:Neisseria meningitidis / Q000276:immunology* / Q000472:pathogenicity; D038541:Neisseria meningitidis, Serogroup B / Q000276:immunology; D012772:Shock, Septic / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D014774:Virulence
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D008070:Lipopolysaccharides; D022401:Meningococcal Vaccines