Identification of a De Novo Peptide against Palmitoyl Acyltransferase 6 to Block Survivability and Infectivity of Leishmania donovani

Palmitoylation is an essential post-translational modification in Leishmania donovani, catalyzed by enzymes called palmitoyl acyl transferases (PATs) and has an essential role in virulence. Due to the toxicity and promiscuity of known PAT inhibitors, identification of new molecules is needed. Herein, we identified a specific novel de novo peptide inhibitor, PS1, against the PAT6 Leishmania donovani palmitoyl acyl transferase (LdPAT6). To demonstrate specific inhibition of LdPAT6 by PS1, we employed a bacterial orthologue system and metabolic labeling-coupled click chemistry where both LdPAT6 and PS1 were coexpressed and displayed palmitoylation suppression. Furthermore, strong binding of the LdPAT6-DHHC domain with PS1 was observed through analysis using microscale thermophoresis, ELISA, and dot blot assay. PS1 specific to LdPAT6 showed significant growth inhibition in promastigotes and amastigotes by expressing low cytokines levels and invasion. This study reveals discovery of a novel de novo peptide against LdPAT6-DHHC which has potential to block survivability and infectivity of L. donovani.