Evaluation of binding activities of a putative lipoprotein LIC_13355 of Leptospira spp.

Author(s)

Silva, Igor R. M. ; Takahashi, Maria B. ; Teixeira, Aline F. ; Nascimento, Ana L. T. O.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: FEBS OPEN BIO; v. N/A, p. 15-pg., 2024-12-12.

Abstract

Pathogenic Leptospira is the etiological cause of the zoonotic life-threatening infection called leptospirosis. The disease is spread worldwide with higher risk in tropical regions. Although leptospirosis represents a burden to the health of humans and animals, the pathogenic mechanisms of Leptospira infection are yet to be clarified. Leptospirosis infection is multifactorial, involving functionally redundant proteins with the capability to invade, disseminate, and escape the host's immune response. In this work, we describe a putative lipoprotein encoded by the gene LIC_13355, genome annotated as hypothetical of unknown function. The coding sequence is conserved among pathogenic Leptospira spp. with high percentage of coverage and identity. The recombinant protein, rLIC_13355, was expressed in Escherichia coli host system in its insoluble form. The circular dichroism spectrum of the refolded protein showed it containing a mixture of secondary structures. rLIC_13355 interacts with extracellular matrix (ECM) component laminin and binds plasminogen (PLG), generating plasmin (PLA), thus possibly participating during the adhesion and dissemination processes. The rLIC_13355 has the ability to interact with Ea.hy926 and HMEC-1 endothelial cells either in monolayer or suspension. The binding of rLIC_13355 with monolayer cells is dose-dependent on protein concentration. Taken together, our data suggest that this is presumably an adhesion lipoprotein that may play diverse roles in host-Leptospira interactions by mediating the interaction with host components and with endothelial cell. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 19/17488-2 - Advancing the understanding of pathogenesis and virulence of Leptospira interrogans through proteomics, structural, mutagenesis and immunological analyses
• Grantee: Ana Lucia Tabet Oller do Nascimento
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 22/08985-5 - Assessment of the role of two proteins of Leptospira interrogans in the pathogenesis and in the immunoprotective activity in animal model
• Grantee: Igor Rodolpho Matheus Silva
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• FAPESP's process: 17/26223-7 - Evaluation of functional role of Leptospira interrogans surface proteins as endothelial and epithelial cells receptors of the host
• Grantee: Maria Beatriz Takahashi
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• FAPESP's process: 16/11541-0 - Evaluation of the vaccine potential of antigenic fractions obtained in Leptospira interrogans serovar Copenhageni using hamsters as an animal model
• Grantee: Aline Florencio Teixeira
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 19/05466-4 - Identification of leptospiral antigens recognized by gamma/delta T cells as target for development of next generation vaccines
• Grantee: Aline Florencio Teixeira
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Post-doctor