Substrate peptide sequences for plague plasminogen activator and uses thereof

摘要

The present invention is directed to peptide sequences that were identified from combinatorial libraries and could serve as substrates of plague plasminogen activator (Pla). Another aspect of the present invention is drawn to peptides derived from the substrates for Pla as a result of chemical modifications leading to specific inactivation of the proteolytic activity of Pla. Additionally, the present invention is directed to the use of the substrates identified herein in the detection of bacteria expressing omptin family of proteases which includes Y. pestis. Furthermore, the present invention is also directed to the use of the inhibitors identified herein in the prevention and treatment of infection caused by these bacteria.