Recombinant production, purification and biochemical characterization of domain 6 of LEKTI: a temporary Kazal-type-related serine proteinase inhibitor

Lympho-epithelial Kazal-type-related inhibitor (LEKTI) is a 15-domain serine proteinase inhibitor which is of pathophysiological relevance for skin diseases and atopy. Domains 2 and 15 of LEKTI contain six cysteine residues and match the Kazal-type inhibitor motif almost exactly. The other 13 domains seem to be Kazal-type derived but lack the cysteines in positions 3 and 6 usually conserved within this family of inhibitors. Here, we report the recombinant production and comprehensive biochemical characterization of the 7.7 kDa LEKTI domain 6 (LD-6). Testing a selected number of different serine proteinases, we show that both native and recombinant LD-6 exhibit a significant but temporary inhibitory activity on trypsin. Furthermore, the relation of LEKTI domain 6 to Kazal-type inhibitors is confirmed by determining its disulfide bond pattern (1–4/2–3) and its P1 site located after the second Cys residue of LD-6. The established strategy for the recombinant production of LEKTI domain 6 will enable further investigation of its mode of action and its physiological role.