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Understanding How Lipopolysaccharide Impacts Cd4 T Cell Immunity, Jeremy P. Mcaleer, Anthony T. Vella

UCHC Articles - Research

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a natural adjuvant synthesized by gram-negative bacteria that has profound effects on CD4 T cell responses. LPS stimulates cells through Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), causing the release of inflammatory cytokines and upregulation of costimulatory molecules on antigen presenting cells. The combination of signals from antigen, costimulation, and cytokines allow CD4 T cells to overcome suppressive barriers and accumulate in large numbers. T cells that are primed in an LPS-stimulated environment are programmed for long-term survival following clonal expansion. LPS is well-known for generating Th1 responses, however, under appropriate conditions it can also support differentiation into other T …