Target Oriented Drugs against Leishmania.
Abstract
Excreted Factor (EF) is a carbohydrate-rich protein excreted by different strains of Leishmania. It has antigenic properties similar to those of the parasite and plays a role in the infective process. Isolation and purification of EF is necessary for: study of its biological function; the use of EF for diagnostic purposes; the use of EF in immunization experiments; the study of the biosynthesis of EF; and the preparation of inhibitors of particular biosynthetic steps of EF. Chemical analysis of partially purified EF was carried out. This indicated a high galactose content of EF. Independent reactions of EF with beta-galactosidase and with peanut lectin (PNA) suggest the presence of beta-galactosyl units at the non-reducing end of at least part of the carbohydrate component of EF. Interaction of promastigotes with PNA, reversed by galactose, indicates the presence of the same galactose component in cell membrane constituents of promastigotes. Purification of EF was achieved using chemical procedures including a phenol extraction method, followed by affinity chromatography. Initial experiments aimed at constructing a radioimmunoassay (RIA) for Leishmania were undertaken. Galactose residues in EF and galactose attached to the promastigote cell membranes may play an important role in the mechanism of infection by Leishmania. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 31, 1980
- Accession Number
- ADA089218
Entities
People
- Joseph El-on
- Uri Zehavi
Organizations
- Hebrew University of Jerusalem