Importance of Wzx flippase specificity for O-antigen diversity

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The Wzx protein flips subunits of the polysaccharide O antigen (O-units) across the cell membrane on their way to the cell wall. The aim of this project is to determine the specificity that different Wzx flippases have for O unit structure. Previous research has shown that there is much more specificity than previously thought, making Wzx a very interesting protein. Wzx flippases vary enormously in sequence, presumably reflecting the diversity of sugars and linkages in O units. The significance lies in the role of these polysaccharides in interactions with the environment, including host-pathogen interactions and immune responses. The outcome will be a new understanding of the export specificity of O-antigens and also capsules, both of which make very good vaccines.