The kinetoplastid membrane protein 11 (KMP-11) has been recently
described in Leishmania (Leishmania) donovani as a major component
of the promastigote membrane. Two oligonucleotide primers were synthesized
to PCR-amplify the entire coding region of New World Leishmania
species. The Leishmania (Viannia) panamensis amplification
product was cloned, sequenced and the putative amino acid sequence
determined. A remarkably high degree of sequence homology was observed with
the corresponding molecule of L. (L) donovani and L. (L)
infantum (97% and 96%, respectively). Southern blot analysis showed
that the KMP-11 locus is conformed by three copies of the gene. The L.
(V) panamensis ORF was subsequently cloned in a high expression vector
and the recombinant protein was induced and purified from Escherichia
coli cultures. Immunoblot analysis showed that 80%, 77% and 100% sera
from cutaneous, mucocutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis patients,
respectively, recognized the recombinant KMP-11 protein. In a similar
assay, 86% of asymptomatic Leishmania-infected individuals showed
IgG antibodies against the rKMP-11. We propose that KMP-11 could be used as
a serologic marker for infection and disease caused by Leishmania in
America.
