Elucidation of a novel Vibrio cholerae lipid A secondary hydroxy-acyltransferase and its role in innate immune recognition
2011

Understanding Vibrio cholerae's Lipid A and Its Role in Immune Response

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Author Information

Author(s): Hankins Jessica V, Madsen James A, Giles David K, Childers Brandon M, Klose Karl E, Brodbelt Jennifer S, Trent M Stephen

Primary Institution: Georgia Health Sciences University

Hypothesis

Does the secondary acyltransferase Vc0212 (LpxN) in Vibrio cholerae play a role in lipid A modification and immune recognition?

Conclusion

The study identifies Vc0212 as a novel lipid A secondary acyltransferase that enhances polymyxin B resistance and is crucial for TLR4 activation.

Supporting Evidence

  • V. cholerae serogroups O1 and O139 synthesize a similar hexa-acylated lipid A species.
  • The presence of a 3-hydroxyl group on the secondary acyl chain promotes antimicrobial peptide resistance.
  • Loss of Vc0212 activity resulted in a significant decrease in polymyxin B resistance.
  • Hexa-acylation of V. cholerae LPS is required for stimulation of TLR4.

Takeaway

Vibrio cholerae has a special part in its structure that helps it resist certain medicines and triggers the body's immune response.

Methodology

Mass spectrometry was used to analyze lipid A species from various V. cholerae strains, and complementation studies were performed to assess the role of Vc0212.

Limitations

The study primarily focuses on specific serogroups and may not represent all V. cholerae strains.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p ≤ 0.006

Statistical Significance

p ≤ 0.006

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1111/j.1365-2958.2011.07765.x

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