Identification and Characterisation of a Novel Phosphatidylinositol-Specific Phospholipase C Having Implications in the Pathogenesis of Leptospirosis

Abstract

Tracing secreted proteins from the culture supernatant enabled the identification of a novel phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C of Leptospira. Topology predictions established the extracellular localisation nature. Functional annotation designated the protein as an exotoxin and an antigen with virulent factor potential. Besides, immunoblotting analysis of the culture supernatant with the leptospirosis positive serum samples confirmed its expression and exposure to the immune system. In addition, conserved expression of the gene among the representatives of pathogenic, intermediates, and non-pathogenic Leptospira were uncovered and signified the potential as a vaccine candidate. Hence, the data highlights the characteristics of a novel phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C of Leptospira with possible implications in pathogenesis.