Mechanisms of disposal of bacterial lipopolysaccharides by animal hosts

Much of the very extensive literature describing the (bio)chemistry and biology of bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS, endotoxin) has dealt with the properties of these molecules as potent triggers of host responses. This brief review will focus on what has been learned recently about mechanisms by which the host can dispose of LPS and counter its often excessive stimulatory effects. (C) 2000 Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS.