Lipoteichoic acid (LTA) is an important cell wall polymer found in gram-positive bacteria. Although the exact role of LTA is unknown, mutants display significant growth and physiological defects. Additionally, modification of the LTA backbone structure can provide protection against cationic antimicrobial peptides. This review provides an overview of the different LTA types and their chemical structures and synthesis pathways. The occurrence and mechanisms of LTA modifications with D-alanyl, glycosyl, and phosphocholine residues will be discussed along with their functions. Similarities between the production of type I LTA and osmoregulated periplasmic glucans in gram-negative bacteria are highlighted, indicating that LTA should perhaps be compared to these polymers rather than lipopolysaccharide, as is presently the case. Lastly, current efforts to use LTAs as vaccine candidates, synthesis proteins as novel antimicrobial targets, and LTA mutant strains as improved probiotics are highlighted.

中文翻译：

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脂磷壁酸在革兰氏阳性菌中的合成和功能。

脂磷壁酸 (LTA) 是在革兰氏阳性菌中发现的一种重要的细胞壁聚合物。虽然 LTA 的确切作用尚不清楚，但突变体显示出显着的生长和生理缺陷。此外，LTA 主链结构的修饰可以提供针对阳离子抗菌肽的保护。本综述概述了不同的 LTA 类型及其化学结构和合成途径。将讨论 D-丙氨酰、糖基和磷酸胆碱残基的 LTA 修饰的发生和机制及其功能。突出显示了革兰氏阴性细菌中 I 型 LTA 和渗透调节的周质葡聚糖的产生之间的相似性，表明 LTA 可能应该与这些聚合物而不是脂多糖进行比较，就像目前的情况一样。最后，