The NOD2 agonist, MDP (muramyl dipeptide), is the minimal bioactive peptidoglycan motif common to all bacteria and the essential structure required for adjuvant activity in vaccines.
The cell wall of mycobacteria is extremely immunogenic and this potent activity is attributed to their MDP which is N-glycolylated in contrast to the MDP of most bacteria which is N-acetylated.
N-glycolyl-MDP displays strong NOD2-mediated activity and is considered a potent adjuvant.
