Therapeutic system targeting pathogen proteases and uses thereof

摘要

The invention provides anti-pathogen polypeptide and polynucleotide compositions, and methods of use. In general, the composition of the invention provide a modified pro-polypeptide comprising a pro-domain, a pathogen protease cleavage site, and a cytotoxic domain which can be activated by cleavage of the pro-polypeptide by a protease of an intracellular pathogen. The invention further provides nucleic acids encoding the subject polypeptides, and vectors and host cells comprising the subject nucleic acids. Cleavage of the pro-polypeptide by the pathogen protease results in activation of the cytotoxic domain, and decreases the viability of the pathogen-infected host cell. Methods for using the subject nucleic acids and polypeptides to reduce the viability of a pathogen-infected cell, and for reducing the pathogen load of a subject infected with a pathogen are provided. The invention further provides kits for carrying out the subject methods.