lipopolysaccharide binding

Definition

Target type: molecularfunction

Binding to a lipopolysaccharide. [PMID:11079463]

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) binding is a crucial molecular function in the innate immune response, involving the recognition and interaction of LPS with specific protein receptors on immune cells. LPS, a major component of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria, acts as a potent immunostimulant, triggering a cascade of signaling events that ultimately lead to the activation of immune cells and the initiation of an inflammatory response.

The process of LPS binding typically involves two main steps:

1. **Initial Binding:** LPS molecules first bind to the LPS-binding protein (LBP), a soluble protein found in the blood. LBP facilitates the transfer of LPS to specific cell surface receptors, such as CD14 and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4).
2. **Signal Transduction:** Once LPS is bound to CD14 and TLR4, a signaling cascade is triggered, involving the recruitment of adaptor proteins, kinases, and other signaling molecules. This cascade ultimately leads to the activation of transcription factors, such as nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), which drive the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6.

The molecular function of LPS binding is essential for the host's defense against Gram-negative bacterial infections. However, dysregulation of LPS signaling can contribute to the development of sepsis, a life-threatening condition characterized by systemic inflammation. Therefore, understanding the intricacies of LPS binding is crucial for developing therapeutic strategies to modulate the immune response and treat bacterial infections.'
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Proteins (14)

Compounds (239)