| abstract |
The present invention relates to compositions and methods for neutralizing lipopolysaccharide, and treatment of gram-negative sepsis based therein. Accordingly, the invention is directed to a composition of homogeneous particles comprising phospholipids and a lipid exchange protein, such as phospholipid transfer protein or LPS binding protein. The lipid exchange protein is characterized by being capable of facilitating an exchange protein of lipopolysaccharide into the particles. In a specific embodiment, exemplified herein, the lipid particles are high density lipoprotein particles comprising apolipoprotein A-I (apo A-I), a phospholipid, and cholesterol or a lipid bilayer binding derivative thereof. In a specific example, the phospholipid is phosphatidylcholine (PC). In a specific example, the ratio of phosphatidylcholine:cholesterol:apolipoprotein A-I is approximately 80:4:1. The levels of LPS exchange protein activity in a sample from a patient provides a diagnostic, monitoring, or prognostic indicator for a subject with endotoxemia, gram-negative sepsis, or septic shock. |