BACTERIAL ELASTIN BINDING PROTEIN, NUCLEIC ACID SEQUENCE ENCODING SAME AND DIAGNOSTIC AND THERAPEUTIC METHODS OF USE THEREOF

摘要

A microbial surface component recognizing adhesive matrix molecules (MSCRAMM) is disclosed which is characterized by its ability to bind to elastin, its inhibited activity in the presence of SDS and its enhanc ed activity in the presence of thiol reductants. More particularly, the MSCRAMM is bacterial in origin and is a member of the family of elastin bind ing proteins. In one embodiment, the MSCRAMM comprises a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence defined herein as SEQ ID N O:2, and extends to active fragments thereof. The role of MSCRAMMs in bacterial infection and its sequelae and related conditions is no ted and the MSCRAMM may be prepared and used in diagnostic procedures and tests, including drug discovery assays, as well as in pharmaceutical compositions applicable for corresponding therapeutic methods. Both agonists and antagonists of the MSCRAMM are proposed a nd illustrated.