The structural basis of 5' triphosphate double-stranded RNA recognition by RIG-I C-terminal domain.

RIG-I is a cytosolic sensor of viral RNA that plays crucial roles in the induction of type I interferons. The C-terminal domain (CTD) of RIG-I is responsible for the recognition of viral RNA with 5' triphosphate (ppp). However, the mechanism of viral RNA recognition by RIG-I is still not fully understood. Here, we show that RIG-I CTD binds 5' ppp dsRNA or ssRNA, as well as blunt-ended dsRNA, and exhibits the highest affinity for 5' ppp dsRNA. Crystal structures of RIG-I CTD bound to 5' ppp dsRNA with GC- and AU-rich sequences revealed that RIG-I recognizes the termini of the dsRNA and interacts with the 5' ppp through extensive electrostatic interactions. Mutagenesis and RNA-binding studies demonstrated that similar binding surfaces are involved in the recognition of different forms of RNA. Mutations of key residues at the RNA-binding surface affected RIG-I signaling in cells.

Recognition of galactose-deficient O-glycans in the hinge region of IgA1 by N-acetylgalactosamine-specific snail lectins: a comparative binding study.

Aberrancies in IgA1 glycosylation have been linked to the pathogenesis of IgA nephropathy (IgAN), a kidney disease characterized by deposits of IgA1-containing immune complexes in the glomerular mesangium. IgA1 from IgAN patients is characterized by the presence of galactose (Gal)-deficient O-glycans in the hinge region that can act as epitopes for anti-glycan IgG or IgA1 antibodies. The resulting circulating immune complexes are trapped in the glomerular mesangium of the kidney where they trigger localized inflammatory responses by activating mesangial cells. Certain lectins recognize the terminal N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc)-containing O-glycans on Gal-deficient IgA1 and can be potentially used as diagnostic tools. To improve our understanding of GalNAc recognition by these lectins, we have conducted binding studies to assess the interaction of Helix aspersa agglutinin (HAA) and Helix pomatia agglutinin (HPA) with Gal-deficient IgA1. Surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy revealed that both HAA and HPA bind to a Gal-deficient synthetic hinge region glycopeptide (HR-GalNAc) as well as various aberrantly glycosylated IgA1 myeloma proteins. Despite having six binding sites, both HAA and HPA bind IgA1 in a functionally bivalent manner, with the apparent affinity for IgA1 related to the number of exposed GalNAc groups in the IgA1 hinge. Finally, HAA and HPA were shown to discriminate very effectively between the IgA1 secreted by cell lines derived from peripheral blood cells of patients with IgAN and that from cells of healthy controls. These studies provide insight into lectin recognition of the Gal-deficient IgA1 hinge region and lay the groundwork for the development of reliable diagnostic tools for IgAN.

The RIG-I-like receptor LGP2 recognizes the termini of double-stranded RNA.

The RIG-I-like receptors (RLRs), RIG-I and MDA5, recognize single-stranded RNA with 5' triphosphates and double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) to initiate innate antiviral immune responses. LGP2, a homolog of RIG-I and MDA5 that lacks signaling capability, regulates the signaling of the RLRs. To establish the structural basis of dsRNA recognition by the RLRs, we have determined the 2.0-A resolution crystal structure of human LGP2 C-terminal domain bound to an 8-bp dsRNA. Two LGP2 C-terminal domain molecules bind to the termini of dsRNA with minimal contacts between the protein molecules. Gel filtration chromatography and analytical ultracentrifugation demonstrated that LGP2 binds blunt-ended dsRNA of different lengths, forming complexes with 2:1 stoichiometry. dsRNA with protruding termini bind LGP2 and RIG-I weakly and do not stimulate the activation of RIG-I efficiently in cells. Surprisingly, full-length LGP2 containing mutations that abolish dsRNA binding retained the ability to inhibit RIG-I signaling.

Convulxin forms a dimer in solution and can bind eight copies of glycoprotein VI: implications for platelet activation.

Convulxin (CVX) is a C-type lectin-like protein from the venom of the South American rattlesnake that functions as a potent agonist of the platelet collagen receptor glycoprotein VI (GPVI). Although CVX is widely used as a platelet agonist, the molecular basis for its extremely high potency is not clear. In order to delineate possible mechanisms for CVX-induced GPVI activation, we used analytical ultracentrifugation to determine the assembly state of CVX in solution and surface plasmon resonance in order to understand the affinity, kinetics, and stoichiometry of GPVI binding to CVX. We show here that CVX exists in solution as a dimer of alpha4beta4 rings, yielding eight potential binding sites for GPVI. Binding studies confirm that all eight sites are able to bind GPVI tightly, each with high picomolar or low nanomolar affinity. Reanalysis of previously determined crystal structures of CVX revealed the dimer in both structures. The dimeric nature of CVX and its ability to bind eight GPVI molecules suggest that it might be capable of binding to GPVI expressed on two opposing surfaces. Agglutination assays using GPVI-coated beads confirm that CVX is able to bridge distinct GPVI-coated surfaces and indicate that CVX agglutination of platelets is dependent on GPVI binding. Thus, in addition to clustering up to eight GPVI receptors, CVX may facilitate platelet activation by bridging platelets directly.