Identification and molecular characterization of a gene encoding a protective Leishmania amazonensis Trp-Asp (WD) protein.

ABSTRACT: Several Leishmania proteins have been identified and characterized in pursuit of understanding pathogenesis and protection in cutaneous leishmaniasis. In the present study, we utilized sera from infected BALB/c mice to screen a Leishmania amazonensis amastigote cDNA expression library and obtained the full-length gene that encodes a novel Trp-Asp (WD) protein designated LAWD (for Leishmania antigenic WD protein). The WD family of proteins mediates protein-protein interactions and coordinates the formation of protein complexes. The single-copy LAWD gene is transcribed as a approximately 3.1-kb mRNA in both promastigotes and amastigotes, with homologues being detected in several other Leishmania species. Immunoelectron microscopy revealed a predominant localization of the LAWD protein in the

SUBMITTER: Campbell K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC375213 | biostudies-literature | 2004 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature