8-Endotoxins, targets

The window for endotoxin targeting Human Sepsis with Endotoxin ... 

One of the most serious consequences of (Gram-negative) bacterial infection is the possible development of septic shock. This is caused by the release of lipopolysaccharide (LPS endotoxin) from the bacterial cell surface. Various anti-LPS monoclonals (mainly targeted at its lipid A component Chapter 3) have been developed. It is hoped that administration of such monoclonals to affected individuals would effectively mop up free LPS, hence ameliorating the severity of the condition. Most trial results to date have proved disappointing in this regard. 

C. Albrecht, D. K. F. Meijer, C. Lebbe, H. Sagesser, B. N. Melgert, K. Poelstra, and J. Reichen, Targeting naproxen coupled to human serum albumin to nonparen-chymal cells reduces endotoxin-induced mortality in rats with biliary cirrhosis, Hepatology 26 1553-1559 (1997). 

Cortiveau, C.C., Danner, R.L. Endotoxin as a therapeutic target in septic shock. Infect Agents Dis 2 (1993) 35-43. 

In the present manuscript, we will discuss the mechanism by which endotoxin initiates the sepsis cascade, the rationale for targeting LPS, and the most significant treatments that have been studied antibodies, vaccines, binding peptides, lipid A analog, phospholipids, and polymyixin B hemoperfusion. 

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