Structural studies on the specific type VII pneumococcal polysaccharide

The specific type VII pneumococcal polysaccharide was isolated from the crude capsular material by precipitative and chromatographic methods. It contained D-galactose, D-glucose, L-rhamnose, 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-D-glucose, and 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-D-galactose in the molar ratio of 3.5:2.3:3.0:2.1:1.0. Some of its structural features were revealed by methylation studies, time-lapse hydrolysis, periodate oxidation, and enzymic hydrolysis. The polysaccharide is branched at residues of D-galactose and 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-D-galactose. Non-reducing end groups consisted of D-galactopyranose and 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-D-glucopyranose residues, with the former predominating. Major components of the linear chains were (1→3)-linked L-rhamnose and (1→4)-linked D-glucose; the minor ones were (1→2)-linked L-rhamnose, (1→6)-linked D-galactose, and (1→6)-linked 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-D-glucopyranose. The (1→4)-linked D-glucose components may be present as cellobiose residues. The results are in accord with structural features deduced from the serological cross-reactivity of this polysaccharide.