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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Functional Characterization of LcpA, a Surface-Exposed Protein of Leptospira spp. That Binds the Human Complement Regulator C4BP

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Author(s):
Barbosa, Angela S. [1] ; Monaris, Denize [1] ; Silva, Ludmila B. [1] ; Morais, Zenaide M. [2] ; Vasconcellos, Silvio A. [2] ; Cianciarullo, Aurora M. [3] ; Isaac, Lourdes [4] ; Abreu, Patricia A. E. [1]
Total Authors: 8
Affiliation:
[1] Inst Butantan, Lab Bacteriol, BR-05503900 Sao Paulo - Brazil
[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Fac Med Vet & Zootecnia, Sao Paulo - Brazil
[3] Inst Butantan, Genet Lab, BR-05503900 Sao Paulo - Brazil
[4] Univ Sao Paulo, Inst Ciencias Biomed, Dept Imunol, BR-05508 Sao Paulo - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 4
Document type: Journal article
Source: Infection and Immunity; v. 78, n. 7, p. 3207-3216, JUL 2010.
Web of Science Citations: 44
Abstract

We have previously shown that pathogenic leptospiral strains are able to bind C4b binding protein (C4BP). Surface-bound C4BP retains its cofactor activity, indicating that acquisition of this complement regulator may contribute to leptospiral serum resistance. In the present study, the abilities of seven recombinant putative leptospiral outer membrane proteins to interact with C4BP were evaluated. The protein encoded by LIC11947 interacted with this human complement regulator in a dose-dependent manner. The cofactor activity of C4BP bound to immobilized recombinant LIC11947 (rLIC11947) was confirmed by detecting factor I-mediated cleavage of C4b. rLIC11947 was therefore named LcpA (for leptospiral complement regulator-acquiring protein A). LcpA was shown to be an outer membrane protein by using immunoelectron microscopy, cell surface proteolysis, and Triton X-114 fractionation. The gene coding for LcpA is conserved among pathogenic leptospiral strains. This is the first characterization of a Leptospira surface protein that binds to the human complement regulator C4BP in a manner that allows this important regulator to control complement system activation mediated either by the classical pathway or by the lectin pathway. This newly identified protein may play a role in immune evasion by Leptospira spp. and may therefore represent a target for the development of a human vaccine against leptospirosis. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 09/01778-0 - Leptospira-host interaction: identification and characterization of a bacterial ligand for human complement regulators FH and C4BP
Grantee:Angela Silva Barbosa
Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants