Structure of the Epstein-Barr virus gp42 protein bound to the MHC class II receptor HLA-DR1.
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Mullen MM, Haan KM, Longnecker R, Jardetzky TS
Structure of the Epstein-Barr virus gp42 protein bound to the MHC class II receptor HLA-DR1.
Mol Cell. 2002 Feb;9(2):375-85.
- PubMed ID
- 11864610 [ View in PubMed]
- Abstract
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) causes infectious mononucleosis, establishes long-term latent infections, and is associated with a variety of human tumors. The EBV gp42 glycoprotein binds MHC class II molecules, playing a critical role in infection of B lymphocytes. EBV gp42 belongs to the C-type lectin superfamily, with homology to NK receptors of the immune system. We report the crystal structure of gp42 bound to the human MHC class II molecule HLA-DR1. The gp42 binds HLA-DR1 using a surface site that is distinct from the canonical lectin and NK receptor ligand binding sites. At the canonical ligand binding site, gp42 forms a large hydrophobic groove, which could interact with other ligands necessary for EBV entry, providing a mechanism for coupling MHC recognition and membrane fusion.