Differences in responses to bacterial surface lipopolysaccharides (LPSs) are apparent between and within mammalian species. It has been shown in mice that resistance to LPS is caused by defects in the Toll-like receptor 4 gene (Tlr4), the product of which is thought to bind LPS and mediate LPS signal transduction in immune system cells.
The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, Texas 75235-9050, USA.
