Activated C kinase protein homolog (LACK) (LACK)

The Leishmania activated C kinase (LACK) is a highly conserved 36 kDa protein found across various Leishmania species and is a structural homolog of the mammalian Receptor for Activated C Kinase (RACK1) (UniProt P46290). It functions as a scaffold protein involved in essential signaling pathways and is critical for the parasite's viability and development within the host (PubMed: 10657206). LACK is recognized as a dominant T-cell antigen, making it a primary target for vaccine development against both visceral and cutaneous leishmaniasis (PubMed: 8591164). Research has demonstrated that immunization with LACK, often via DNA vaccines or recombinant proteins, can induce a protective Th1-mediated immune response (PubMed: 11169398). However, the protein's high conservation also poses challenges, as it can sometimes trigger a Th2 response that exacerbates the disease in certain genetic backgrounds (PubMed: 9151718). Current therapeutic strategies focus on optimizing delivery systems and adjuvants to ensure a robust and protective cellular immune profile (PubMed: 25444800).

Other names

Leishmania activated C kinaseReceptor for activated C kinase 1 homologRACK1 homologp36 antigenWD repeat-containing protein LACK

Vaccine-mediated induction of a Th1-type cellular immune response characterized by interferon-gamma production to provide protective immunity against Leishmania infection (PubMed: 11169398).