PEPTIDOGLYCAN FROM STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS

Uses

Peptidoglycan from Staphylococcus aureus has been used:

• for the stimulation of lymphocytes: peptidoglycan activates the toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2), present in mammalian cells. It works as an antagonist of Poly (I:C)
• for g-type lysozyme stimulation by intraperitoneally inoculating it into sole specimens
• in phosphate buffer saline and injected into Labeo rohita fingerlings, to study its effect on nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-2 (NOD-2) gene expression

Biochem/physiol Actions

The cell wall of gram positive bacteria is largely made up of peptidoglycan. It is composed of polysaccharide chains interlinked by peptide bridges. This peptidoglycan gives a certain rigidity to the cell wall and gives the cell mechanical strength. It is a surface molecule which is known to stimulate immune reactions including cytokine production to fever.