Elongation factor 1-alpha (EF-1α) (EF-1α)

Elongation factor 1-alpha (EF-1α), frequently referred to as P74 in the context of Leishmania vaccine research, is a highly conserved protein essential for the parasite's protein synthesis machinery. It functions as a GTPase that facilitates the delivery of aminoacyl-tRNAs to the ribosome during the elongation phase of translation. Beyond its housekeeping role, Leishmania EF-1α acts as a potent virulence factor that is secreted into the host macrophage environment. Once inside the host cell, it interacts with and activates the host protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP-1, which suppresses microbicidal activities such as nitric oxide production and pro-inflammatory cytokine signaling. Due to its essentiality and strong immunogenicity, P74 is a primary component of the LEISHDNAVAX DNA vaccine candidate, which aims to induce a protective Th1-type immune response. The high sequence identity between the parasite and human versions of this protein poses a challenge for the development of selective small-molecule inhibitors, but its unique role in host-parasite interactions makes it a significant target for both prophylactic and therapeutic strategies against leishmaniasis.

Other names

P74LdP74Leishmania P74EF1ATranslation elongation factor 1-alphaLeIF

Induction of Th1-type cellular immune response and activation of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells.