Structure of the serine-containing capsular polysaccharide K40 antigen from Escherichia coli O8:K40:H9.

The structure of the K40 antigenic capsular polysaccharide (K40 antigen) of E. coli O8:K40:H9 was elucidated by determination of the composition, 1H- and 13C-n.m.r. spectroscopy, periodate oxidation and Smith degradation, and methylation analysis. The K40 polysaccharide consists of [(O-beta-D-glucopyranosyluronic acid)-(1----4)-O-(2-acetamido-2-deoxy-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl)-(1----6)-O -(2-acetamido-2-deoxy-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl)-(1----4)] repeating units. All of the glucuronic acid residues are substituted amidically with L-serine.