Immunology
Activation of Human Toll-like Receptor 4 (TLR4)·Myeloid Differentiation Factor 2 (MD-2) by Hypoacylated Lipopolysaccharide from a Clinical Isolate of Burkholderia cenocepacia
Background: The Burkholderia cenocepacia lipid A is hypoacylated.Results: Aminoarabinose residues in lipid A contribute to Burkholderia lipid A binding to the TLR4·MD-2 complex.Conclusion: A novel mode of Burkholderia lipopolysaccharide-TLR4·MD-2 interactions promotes inflammation.Significance: Modifications of the lipid A structure enhance proinflammatory responses of hypoacylated lipopolysaccharide.Insect Gut Symbiont Susceptibility to Host Antimicrobial Peptides Caused by Alteration of the Bacterial Cell Envelope
Background: The elucidation of molecular changes of symbionts is important for understanding symbiotic adaptation.Results: Insect gut symbionts are highly susceptible to host immunity because of dramatic cell envelope changes.Conclusion: Cell envelope changes in gut symbionts are required for successful symbiosis with hosts.Significance: Biochemical analyses of intact gut symbionts revealed a novel mechanism of gut symbiosis.
