Phosphorylated LPS-core antigens.

One of the major cell-surface structures of gram negative bacteria comprises the lipopolysaccharide (LPS), an essential component for the manifold biological functions of the outer membrane. Aims of the project are the chemical synthesis of phosphorylated core-structures corresponding to the inner-core region of bacterial lipopolysaccharides as well as their immunochemical characterization. Furthermore, it is intended to develop novel methods for the covalent attachment of isolated bacterial LPS-oligosaccharides to protein carriers, which may be applicable in general for immunochemical studies of different bacterial genera. The expected outcome of the project will contribute to a better understanding of the functions and antigenic properties of these biomolecules which should improve diagnosis and therapy of bacterial infections (e.g. development of cross-protective antibodies or inhibitors of LPS-biosynthesis).