| Full text | |
| Author(s): |
Sasaki‚ S. D.
;
Tanaka‚ A. S.
Total Authors: 2
|
| Document type: | Journal article |
| Source: | Veterinary Parasitology; v. 155, n. 1/2, p. 133-141, Aug. 2008. |
| Field of knowledge: | Biological Sciences - Biochemistry |
| Abstract | |
Boophilus microplus is a rich source of trypsin inhibitors, numerous Kunitz-BPTI (bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor) inhibitors have been described from larvae and eggs, named BmTIs. Among them, were characterized inhibitors for trypsin, human neutrophil elastase, human plasma kallikrein and plasmin. BmTIs elicited a protective immunological response against B. microplus infestation in cattle. However, only a small amount of purified natural BmTIs can be obtained from larvae and eggs by chromatographic methods, thus if BmTIs are to be used as vaccine antigens (immunogens) the production of recombinant BmTIs (rBmTIs) is essential. In this work we describe the cloning, expression, purification and characterization of rBmTI-6. rBmTI-6 is a three-headed Kunitz-BPTI inhibitor, expressed in the Pichia pastoris system. Although rBmTI-6 was processed by proteases and glycosylated during the expression process, these post-translational modifications did not alter the ability of rBmTI-6 to inhibit protease activity. Purified rBmTI-6 inhibited trypsin and plasmin. (AU) | |
| FAPESP's process: | 05/03514-9 - Studies of the physiological function and biotechnological potential of protease inhibitors and anti-hemostatics in hematophagous arthropods |
| Grantee: | Aparecida Sadae Tanaka |
| Support Opportunities: | Research Projects - Thematic Grants |