Abstract
The lipoteichoic acid of L. casei DSM 20021 was isolated. It consists of glycolipid and a poly(glycerophosphate) 37-44 units in length. The lipid portions can be released by treatment with HF or acetic acid. They were determined to be 1,2-di-O-acyl-3-O-[O-.beta.-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 .fwdarw. 6)-O-.alpha.-D-galactopyranosyl-(1 .fwdarw. 2)-.alpha.-D-glucopyranosyl]glycerol and 1,2-di-O-acyl-3-O-[O-.beta.-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 .fwdarw. 6)-O-.alpha.-D-galactopyranosyl-(1 .fwdarw. 2)-(6-O-acyl-.alpha.-D-glucopyranosyl)]glycerol. Lipoteichoic acid with a 3rd carbohydrate-linked fatty acid in the glycolipid portion represents a novel subclass.