Characterization of three novel adhesins of Leptospira interrogans

Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2013 Dec;89(6):1103-16. doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.13-0205. Epub 2013 Aug 19.

Abstract

We report cloning, expression, purification, and characterization of three predicted leptospiral membrane proteins (LIC11360, LIC11009, and LIC11975). In silico analysis and proteinase K accessibility data suggest that these proteins might be surface exposed. We show that proteins encoded by LIC11360, LIC11009 and LIC11975 genes interact with laminin in a dose-dependent and saturable manner. The proteins are referred to as leptospiral surface adhesions 23, 26, and 36 (Lsa23, Lsa26, and Lsa36), respectively. These proteins also bind plasminogen and generate active plasmin. Attachment of Lsa23 and Lsa36 to fibronectin occurs through the involvement of the 30-kDa and 70-kDa heparin-binding domains of the ligand. Dose-dependent, specific-binding of Lsa23 to the complement regulator C4BP and to a lesser extent, to factor H, suggests that this protein may interfere with the complement cascade pathways. Leptospira spp. may use these interactions as possible mechanisms during the establishment of infection.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adhesins, Bacterial / genetics
  • Adhesins, Bacterial / isolation & purification
  • Adhesins, Bacterial / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • Cloning, Molecular
  • Complement C4b-Binding Protein / metabolism
  • Computational Biology
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Female
  • Fibrinolysin / metabolism
  • Fibronectins / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Laminin / metabolism
  • Leptospira / genetics
  • Leptospira / metabolism
  • Leptospira interrogans / genetics
  • Leptospira interrogans / metabolism*
  • Leptospirosis / microbiology*
  • Lysine / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Phylogeny
  • Plasminogen / metabolism
  • Protein Binding
  • Rats
  • Recombinant Proteins / genetics
  • Recombinant Proteins / metabolism
  • Sequence Alignment

Substances

  • Adhesins, Bacterial
  • C4BPA protein, human
  • Complement C4b-Binding Protein
  • Fibronectins
  • Laminin
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • Plasminogen
  • Fibrinolysin
  • Lysine