Cyclic nucleotide-specific phosphodiesterases from leishmania and uses thereof

Abstract

The present invention relates to novel amino acid and nucleic acid sequences of yclic nucleotide-specific phosphodiesterases from the parasite Leishmania major . The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the nucleic acid sequences as well as methods for producing and using the amino acid and nucleic acid sequences. The invention further relates to the use of these sequences, and of antibodies directed against these sequences, in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders related to the infection of Leishmania major , including the identification of compounds that form complexes with the polypeptides and nucleic acids of the present invention.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of identifying a compound that modulates LmPDE activity, the method comprising:
 a) contacting a sample that has LmPDE activity with a compound under conditions and for a time sufficient for the sample to express LmPDE activity absent the compound;   b) incubating a control sample under the same conditions and for the same time absent the compound;   c) measuring LmPDE activity in the cell in the presence of the compound;   d) measuring LmPDE activity in the control sample; and   e) comparing the amount of LmPDE activity in the presence and absence of the compound, wherein a difference in the level of activity indicates that the compound modulates LmPDE activity.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the compound decreases LmPDE activity.