Plasminogen Activator – Multifunctional Protein of Plague Pathogen

Abstract

Yersinia pestis plasminogen activator, a surface protease (Pla) is encoded by species-specific plasmid pPla. This enzyme belongs to outer membrane protein family and has a ß-barrel structure. Pla protease interacts complexly with homeostasis system of a hostorganism and is an important factor of plague agent virulence. Represented are the literature data on the part of plasminogen activator in the development of bubonic and pneumonic plague. Described is the role of R-form lipopolysaccharide in protease Pla activity manifestation. Plasminogen activator directly contributes to fibrinolysis by activating plasminogen and inactivating plasminogen-1 activator inhibitor (PAI-1) and ά2-anti-plasmin, as well as promoted by thrombin fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI). Pro-coagulant Pla protein activity is caused by the destruction of tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI). In addition, given is the information on non-proteolytic functions of plasminogen activator.

Keywords

• plague agent
• plasminogen activator
• pathogenicity