[PDF][PDF] Recognition of pneumococcal peptidoglycan: an expanded, pivotal role for LPS binding protein

JR Weber, D Freyer, C Alexander, NWJ Schröder… - Immunity, 2003 - cell.com
JR Weber, D Freyer, C Alexander, NWJ Schröder, A Reiss, C Küster, D Pfeil, EI Tuomanen…
Immunity, 2003cell.com
Lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP) has a well-established role in LPS-induced
immune responses. Here, we report that LBP also plays an essential role in the innate
immune response to Gram-positive pneumococci, specifically to their major inflammatory
component, pneumococcal cell wall (PCW). LBP was present in the CSF of patients with
meningitis, and LBP-deficient mice failed to develop meningeal inflammation. LBP
enhanced PCW-induced cell signaling and TNF-α release. LBP bound specifically to PCW …
Abstract
Lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP) has a well-established role in LPS-induced immune responses. Here, we report that LBP also plays an essential role in the innate immune response to Gram-positive pneumococci, specifically to their major inflammatory component, pneumococcal cell wall (PCW). LBP was present in the CSF of patients with meningitis, and LBP-deficient mice failed to develop meningeal inflammation. LBP enhanced PCW-induced cell signaling and TNF-α release. LBP bound specifically to PCW multimers, indicating novel lipid-independent binding capability for LBP. We propose the iterative anionic groups along the glycan backbone of the cell wall are a crucial structure for recognition by LBP. Such a function for LBP expands its role to Gram-positive infections.
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