| 摘要 |
A series of mutants of Anthrax lethal factor (LF) are disclosed which define a conformational epitope or region of the molecule that interacts with the LF target, the MEK enzyme. Such mutants or variants, and nucleic acids encoding them are disclosed. The knowledge of such binding, separate from recognition of MEK by the protease active site of LF, serves as the basis for novel screening assays for discovery of inhibitors of this additional form of LF-MEK binding which is necessary for ultimate proteolysis and toxicity. The nontoxic LF mutants are useful as immunogenic compositions for generating antibodies and a state of immunity specific for the LF component of a B. arithracis infection or exposure otherwise to the anthrax lethal toxin.
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