CHAPTER 5: The LPS Transport Pathway: A New Target for the Development of Gram-Negative Antibiotics

Antibiotic resistance is a growing global threat that is estimated to kill more people than cancer by 2050. Gram-negative bacteria represent a significant clinical challenge due in part to the nature of their cell envelopes and the presence of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in their outer membranes. LPS contributes to the structural stability of the cell envelope and acts to enhance the resistance of these bacteria to most classes of antibiotics. In this chapter, we discuss recent advances in understanding the mechanism of LPS biosynthesis and transport, and highlight progress towards targeting these essential processes for antibiotic development. With the pressing need to identify new antimicrobial targets, the LPS biosynthesis and transport pathways present viable and promising targets for the development of new antibiotics against Gram-negative pathogens.