Structures and IMmunologic Properties of LipopolYsaccharides from Antarctic psychrophilic bacteria: SIMPLY

The aim of this grant proposal is the search of new immunostimulants and vaccine adjuvants from membranes of Gram-negative Antarctic bacteria. Generally, Gram-negative bacteria do possess lipopolysaccharide endotoxins and, by these molecules, they are able to trigger or suppress innate immunity response in all eukaryotic organisms. One of the major topics in biotechnology and immunology is the search of new LPS analogues which can help the suppression of septic shock caused by LPS and the use of these molecules as adjuvants for triggering selected immune pathways during vaccine administration. This project actually combines the expertise of three different internationally acknowledged groups, in collecting and identifying novel Antarctic bacteria, isolating them selectively for LPS and eventually for testing these LPS for the immunological activity. By this approach we foresee a new  biotechnological use of psychrophilic bacteria which can open new avenues to their use as source of new immune-elicitors