Modulation of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-mediated function by structural differences of two physically distinct fractions of Escherichia coli K235 LPS.

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), extracted from Escherichia coli K235 by the butanol water technique, was fractionated by gel filtration chromatography into high m.w. (LPS I) and low m.w. (LPS II) fractions. These two forms of LPS were characterized by different densities and chemical compositions. Chemical analysis provided evidence for greater amounts of lipid A and Lipd A-associated protein (LAP) per unit weight associated with LPS II. The biologic activity of the two LPS preparations was compared over a spectrum of different parameters. LPS II was shown to be a more potent mitogen and toxin than LPS I, whereas the two preparations were demonstrated to be of equal activity as polyclonal B cell activators, immunogens, and adjuvants. A modulatory role for the polysaccharide component of the LPS molecule is discussed.