What is the Primary Effect of Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)on the Host

Question

What is the primary effect of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)on the host?
A)Attacks cells of the immune system.
B)Triggers an intense inflammatory response.
C)Acts as a neurotoxin.
D)Causes diarrhea.
E)Lyses epithelial cells.

Accepted Answer

The primary effect of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on the host is to trigger an intense inflammatory response. This is due to LPS binding to Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) on immune cells, leading to the activation of pro-inflammatory pathways and the release of cytokines, chemokines, and other inflammatory mediators. This can contribute to the development of sepsis and other inflammatory diseases.