Lipopolysaccharides

**Definition:** Lipid-containing polysaccharides which are endotoxins and important group-specific antigens. They are often derived from the cell wall of gram-negative bacteria and induce immunoglobulin secretion. The lipopolysaccharide molecule consists of three parts: LIPID A, core polysaccharide, and O-specific chains (O ANTIGENS). When derived from Escherichia coli, lipopolysaccharides serve as polyclonal B-cell mitogens commonly used in laboratory immunology. (From Dorland, 28th ed)

**Tree numbers:** - D09.400.500 - D09.698.718.450 - D10.494 - D23.050.161.616.525 - D23.946.123.329.500

**Synonyms:** - Lipopolysaccharide - Lipoglycans