The identification and characterization of a novel, thermolysin-like peptidase from E. oxidotolerans demonstrates the first characterization of a novel secreted M4-family peptidase in this genus, and whilst the precise physiological function of the enzyme remains to be elucidated, members of the M4 peptidase family have been implicated as virulence factors in a wide range of bacterial infections [31]. The gene discussed is LAP3; the disease is bacterial infectious disease.