Structural modification of diphosphoryl lipid A by hydrolysis produces MPLA (monophosphoryl lipid A) and is known to decrease its toxicity. MPLA, a lipopolysaccharide derivative, acts an immunomodulator and is non-toxic. For this reason, it is useful as a vaccine adjuvant. The MPLA induced immune response is tissue specific. It enhances hostμs resistance against endotoxin induced effects. It also decreases cytokine production during infection.
