Biochemical analysis of leptospiral LPS explained the difference between pathogenic and non-pathogenic serogroups

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is the major surface antigen of Leptospira. In this study, the genes involved in the LPS biosynthesis were analyzed and compared by bioinformatics tools. Also, the chemical composition analysis of leptospiral lipopolysaccharides (LPS) extracted from 5 pathogenic serovars like Autumnalis, Australis, Ballum, Grippotyphosa, Pomona, and the nonpathogenic serovar Andamana was performed. Methods used were Limulus amebocyte lysate assay (LAL), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR). LAL assay showed a significantly higher level of endotoxicity among pathogenic serovars (-0.490 EU/mL) than that of nonpathogenic Andamana (-0.102 EU/mL). FAMES analysis showed the presence of palmitic acid (C16:0), hydroxy lauric acid (3-OH C12:0), and oleic acid (C18:0). Palmitoleic acid (C16: 1), and 3hydroxy palmitate (3-OH-C16:0) was detected only in pathogenic serovars. In contrast myristoleic acid (C14:1) and stearic acid (C18:0) were present in Andamana. FTIR analysis revealed C-O-C stretch of esters, 3 degrees ROH functional groups and carbohydrate vibration range were similar among pathogenic serovars. The NMR analysis reveals similarity for 6 deoxy sugars and methyl groups of Autumnalis, Australis, and Ballum. Further, the presence of palmitoleic acid and 3-hydroxy palmitate may be the significant pathogen-associated predisposing factor. This mediates high osmolarity glycerol (HOG) mediated stress response in leptospiral LPS mediated pathogenesis.

Automated summary

This study analyzed and compared the genes involved in Leptospira lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis and performed chemical composition analysis of lipopolysaccharides from different serovars. The results showed significantly higher endotoxicity levels in pathogenic serovars compared to nonpathogenic ones. Specific components identified in the different lipopolysaccharides may be significant factors contributing to pathogen-associated predisposition.