Kinetoplastid Membrane Protein-11 Induces Pores in Anionic Phospholipid Membranes: Effect of Cholesterol

Kinetoplastid membrane protein-11 (KMP-11), expressed in all stages of leishmanial life cycle, is considered a potential candidate for leishmaniasis vaccine. KMP-11 is found on the membrane surface of the parasite. Although the biological function of KMP-11 is unknown, we hypothesize from its sequence analysis that it may interact with the macrophage membrane and may influence the entry process of the parasite into the host cell. To validate this hypothesis, we have investigated the interaction of KMP-11 with unilamellar anionic phospholipid vesicles and explored its pore-forming activity. The decrease in negative ζ-potential of the vesicles and reduction in the fluorescence intensity of membrane-bound dye DiI C-18 suggest a strong association of KMP-11 with the membrane. The fluorescence leakage experiment as well as phase contrast microscopy shows direct evidence of KMP-11-induced pore formation in an anionic membrane. Incorporation of cholesterol into the membrane has been found to inhibit pore formation induced by KMP-11, suggesting an important role of cholesterol in leishmaniasis. Interestingly, vesicles containing only neutral phospholipid do not exhibit any tendency toward pore formation.