The PGN-associated polysaccharide of <i>B. anthracis</i> is not necessary for TNFα activity.

<p><i>B. anthracis</i> PGN was sonicated and hydrolyzed with HF for 24 hours. The HF-soluble polysaccharide was separated from the insoluble peptidoglycan backbone by centrifugation. The original PGN, sonicated PGN, and HF-soluble polysaccharide and HF-insoluble PGN fractions were used to stimulate PB. The percent TNFα positive monocytes was calculated per µg of PGN (OD₆₀₀). Data is expressed as mean±SEM of three separate preparations from 2 donors including two separate HF hydrolysis reactions of PGN. Statistical analysis was by ANOVA with Bonferroni post test of the stimulated samples <i>versus</i> PGN. *, p<0.001 <i>versus</i> PGN.