Microbiology & Immunology - Research Publications

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Author: Godfrey, Dale × Author: Kjer-Nielsen, Lars × Start date: 2000 × End date: 2009 × Subject: Cellular Immunology; Immune System and Allergy ×

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    A structural basis for selection and cross-species reactivity of the semi-invariant NKT cell receptor in CD1d/glycolipid recognition
    Kjer-Nielsen, L ; Borg, NA ; Pellicci, DG ; Beddoe, T ; Kostenko, L ; Clements, CS ; Williamson, NA ; Smyth, MJ ; Besra, GS ; Reid, HH ; Bharadwaj, M ; Godfrey, DI ; Rossjohn, J ; McCluskey, J (ROCKEFELLER UNIV PRESS, 2006-03-20)
    Little is known regarding the basis for selection of the semi-invariant alphabeta T cell receptor (TCR) expressed by natural killer T (NKT) cells or how this mediates recognition of CD1d-glycolipid complexes. We have determined the structures of two human NKT TCRs that differ in their CDR3beta composition and length. Both TCRs contain a conserved, positively charged pocket at the ligand interface that is lined by residues from the invariant TCR alpha- and semi-invariant beta-chains. The cavity is centrally located and ideally suited to interact with the exposed glycosyl head group of glycolipid antigens. Sequences common to mouse and human invariant NKT TCRs reveal a contiguous conserved "hot spot" that provides a basis for the reactivity of NKT cells across species. Structural and functional data suggest that the CDR3beta loop provides a plasticity mechanism that accommodates recognition of a variety of glycolipid antigens presented by CD1d. We propose a model of NKT TCR-CD1d-glycolipid interaction in which the invariant CDR3alpha loop is predicted to play a major role in determining the inherent bias toward CD1d. The findings define a structural basis for the selection of the semi-invariant alphabeta TCR and the unique antigen specificity of NKT cells.