In silico characterization of multiple genes encoding the GP63 virulence protein from Leishmania braziliensis: identification of sources of variation and putative roles in immune evasion.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The leishmaniasis are parasitic diseases caused by protozoans of the genus Leishmania, highly divergent eukaryotes, characterized by unique biological features. To survive in both the mammalian hosts and insect vectors, these pathogens make use of a number of mechanisms, many of which are associated with parasite specific proteases. The metalloprotease GP63, the major Leishmania surface antigen, has been found to have multiple functions required for the parasite's survival. GP63 is encoded by multiple genes and their copy numbers vary considerably between different species and are increased in those from the subgenus Viannia, including L. braziliensis.

Results

By comparing multiple sequences from Leishmania and related organisms this study sought to characterize p

SUBMITTER: Castro Neto AL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6367770 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature