Protease associated with lectin produced by Perkinsus olseni infected Manila clams (Ruditapes philippinarum).

摘要

A specific protease (MCLAP) associated with manila clam lectin (MCL) of molecular mass 43 kDa, was purified and characterized from the Perkinsus olseni infected manila clam Ruditapes philippinarum. It was purified by affinity chromatography followed by gel filtration. From all the protease inhibitors tested, MCLAP was only inhibited by PMSF indicating that it is a serine protease. Co-immunoprecipitation using antibody against MCL revealed that the protease was associated with MCL. MCLAP may be involved in penetration of connective tissue (matrix) but not in nutrient digestion as it degraded collagen but not BSA. The inducible protease associated with MCL might be a major component of innate immunity in R. philippinarum.