Advances in lipopolysaccharide binding protein

Lipopolysaccharide(LPS),also called endotoxin,is the main component of the bacterial cell wall. After its release from bacteria,LPS can bind to a specific binding protein,known as lipopolysaccharide binding protein(LBP). The amplification of LPS effects mediated by LBP may be detrimental to the host, which results in systemic inflammatory response syndrome,acute lung injury and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. Another study shows an inhibitory role of high concentrations of LBP in the LPS-induced inflammatory response. The diverse function of LBP is determined by diverse sites. Therefore,LBP is a two-edge sword in inflammatory reaction. Key words: Lipopolysaccharide;  Lipopolysaccharide binding protein; Endotoxemia