LPS

Lipopolysaccharide (or LPS) is an essential component of the bacterial wall of Gram negative bacteria.

Immunologically, the lipopolysaccharide is the O antigen of Gram negative bacteria. LPS is a complex lipid attached to a polysaccharide that is responsible for the antigenic specificity of the O antigen. Pathophysiologically, LPS is extremely toxic and is the endotoxin of Gram negative bacteria.