LPS (or Gram-negative bacterial endotoxin) is a potent activator
of leucocytes - it interacts with LBP (LPS-binding-protein) in
plasma and the complex triggers macrophages via their CD14 to
release cytokines. It is the primary pathogenic agent in septic
shock, initiating an inflammatory chain reaction via a cytokine
cascade. There is a huge literature on this - get reading!
