Biopolymers and cell. 2008; 24 (1): 3 - 13

Peptidoglycan Staphylococcus aureus and its immune-biological features

V. V. Pozur, L. M. Skivka, G. P. Potebnia

Bacterial subcellular components and metabolites are potent biologically active substances with inherent immunomodulating and adjuvant properties. Peptidoglycan (murein) is the major, unique, and essential component of the cell wall of virtually all bacteria. Murein and its muropeptide derivatives are considered to be potential virulence factors. Peptidoglycans of different bacteria have distinguishing features, but all of them are not present in eukaryotes, and, therefore, they are excellent targets for innate immune system. In this review the data on structural specificities of S. aureus peptidoglycan and its effect on immune system are summarized.

Keywords: peptidoglycan, cell walls, muropeptide, immunomodulation, adjuvant action.