Download MendeleySymmetry Recognizing Asymmetry: Analysis of the Interactions between the C-Type Lectin-like Immunoreceptor NKG2D and MHC Class I-like Ligands
McFarland, B.J., Kortemme, T., Yu, S.F., Baker, D., Strong, R.K.(2003) Structure 11: 411-422
- PubMed: 12679019
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/s0969-2126(03)00047-9
- Primary Citation of Related Structures:
1MPU - PubMed Abstract:
Engagement of diverse protein ligands (MIC-A/B, ULBP, Rae-1, or H60) by NKG2D immunoreceptors mediates elimination of tumorigenic or virally infected cells by natural killer and T cells. Three previous NKG2D-ligand complex structures show the homodimeric receptor interacting with the monomeric ligands in similar 2:1 complexes, with an equivalent surface on each NKG2D monomer binding intimately to a total of six distinct ligand surfaces. Here, the crystal structure of free human NKG2D and in silico and in vitro alanine-scanning mutagenesis analyses of the complex interfaces indicate that NKG2D recognition degeneracy is not explained by a classical induced-fit mechanism. Rather, the divergent ligands appear to utilize different strategies to interact with structurally conserved elements of the consensus NKG2D binding site.
Organizational Affiliation:
The Division of Basic Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Avenue North, Seattle, WA 98109, USA.
