Structure of the complex of camel peptidoglycan recognition protein-S with hexanoic acid reveals novel features of the versatile ligand-binding site at the dimeric interface

The short peptidoglycan recognition protein (PGRP-S) of the innate immune system recognizes the invading microbes through binding to their cell wall molecules. In order to understand the mode of binding of PGRP-S to bacterial cell wall molecules, the structure of the complex of camel PGRP-S (CPGRP-S) with hexanoic acid has been determined at 2.07 Å resolution. Previously, we had reported the structures of CPGRP-S in the native unbound state as well as in the complexed forms with the components of various bacterial cell wall molecules such as peptidoglycan (PGN), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), lipoteichoic acid (LTA), mycolic acid (MA) and other fatty acids. These structures revealed that CPGRP-S formed two homodimers which were designated as A-B and CD dimers. It also showed that the fatty acids bind to CPGRP-S in the binding site at the A-B dimer while the non-fatty acids were shown to bind at the interfaces of both A-B and CD dimers. The present structure of the complex of CPGRP-S with hexanoic acid (HA) showed that HA binds to CPGRP-S at the interface of CD dimer. HA was located in the same groove at the CD interface which was occupied by non-fatty acids such as PGN, LPS and LTA and interacts with residues from both C and D molecules. HA is firmly held in the groove with several hydrogen bonds and a number of van der Waals contacts. This is the first structure which reports the binding of a fatty acid in the cleft at the interface of CD dimer.     

Structural Insights into the Dual Strategy of Recognition by Peptidoglycan Recognition Protein,PGRP-S: Structure of the Ternary Complex of PGRP-S with Lipopolysaccharide and Stearic Acid

Peptidoglycan recognition proteins (PGRPs) are part of the innate immune system. The 19 kDa Short PGRP (PGRP-S) is one of the four mammalian PGRPs. The concentration of PGRP-S in camel (CPGRP-S) has been shown to increase considerably during mastitis. The structure of CPGRP-S consists of four protein molecules designated as A, B, C and D forming stable intermolecular contacts, A–B and C–D. The A–B and C–D interfaces are located on the opposite sides of the same monomer leading to the the formation of a linear chain with alternating A–B and C–D contacts. Two ligand binding sites, one at C–D contact and another at A–B contact have been observed. CPGRP-S binds to the components of bacterial cell wall molecules such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS), lipoteichoic acid (LTA), and peptidoglycan (PGN) from both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. It also binds to fatty acids including mycolic acid of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). Previous structural studies of binary complexes of CPGRP-S with LPS and stearic acid (SA) have shown that LPS binds to CPGRP-S at C–D contact (Site-1) while SA binds to it at the A–B contact (Site-2). The binding studies using surface plasmon resonance showed that LPS and SA bound to CPGRP-S in the presence of each other. The structure determination of the ternary complex showed that LPS and SA bound to CPGRP-S at Site-1 and Site-2 respectively. LPS formed 13 hydrogen bonds and 159 van der Waals contacts (distances ≤4.2 Å) while SA formed 56 van der Waals contacts. The ELISA test showed that increased levels of productions of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IFN-γ due to LPS and SA decreased considerably upon the addition of CPGRP-S.     

Structural studies on molecular interactions between camel peptidoglycan recognition protein, CPGRP-S, and peptidoglycan moieties N-acetylglucosamine and N-acetylmuramic acid

Peptidoglycan (PGN) consists of repeating units of N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) and N-acetylmuramic acid (MurNAc), which are cross-linked by short peptides. It is well known that PGN forms a major cell wall component of bacteria making it an important ligand for the recognition by peptidoglycan recognition proteins (PGRPs) of the host. The binding studies showed that PGN, GlcNAc, and MurNAc bind to camel PGRP-S (CPGRP-S) with affinities corresponding to dissociation constants of 1.3 × 10(-9), 2.6 × 10(-7), and 1.8 × 10(-7) M, respectively. The crystal structure determinations of the complexes of CPGRP-S with GlcNAc and MurNAc showed that the structures consist of four crystallographically independent molecules, A, B, C, and D, in the asymmetric unit that exists as A-B and C-D units of two neighboring linear polymers. The structure determinations showed that compounds GlcNAc and MurNAc bound to CPGRP-S at the same subsite in molecule C. Both GlcNAc and MurNAc form several hydrogen bonds and extensive hydrophobic interactions with protein atoms, indicating the specific nature of their bindings. Flow cytometric studies showed that PGN enhanced the secretions of TNF-α and IL-6 from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The introduction of CPGRP-S to the PGN-challenged cultured peripheral blood mononuclear cells reduced the expressions of proinflammatory cytokines, TNF-α and IL-6. This showed that CPGRP-S inhibited PGN-induced production of proinflammatory cytokines and down-regulated macrophage-mediated inflammation, indicating its potential applications as an antibacterial agent.     

Crystal structure of human peptidoglycan recognition protein S (PGRP-S) at 1.70 A resolution

Peptidoglycan recognition proteins (PGRPs) are pattern recognition receptors of the innate immune system that bind peptidoglycans (PGNs) of bacterial cell walls. These molecules, which are highly conserved from insects to mammals, contribute to host defense against infections by both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Here, we present the crystal structure of human PGRP-S at 1.70A resolution. The overall structure of PGRP-S, which participates in intracellular killing of Gram-positive bacteria, is similar to that of other PGRPs, including Drosophila PGRP-LB and PGRP-SA and human PGRP-Ialpha. However, comparison with these PGRPs reveals important differences in both the PGN-binding site and a groove formed by the PGRP-specific segment on the opposite face of the molecule. This groove, which may constitute a binding site for effector or signaling proteins, is less hydrophobic and deeper in PGRP-S than in PGRP-IalphaC, whose PGRP-specific segments vary considerably in amino acid sequence. By docking a PGN ligand into the PGN-binding cleft of PGRP-S based on the known structure of a PGRP-Ialpha-PGN complex, we identified potential PGN-binding residues in PGRP-S. Differences in PGN-contacting residues and interactions suggest that, although PGRPs may engage PGNs in a similar mode, structural differences exist that likely regulate the affinity and fine specificity of PGN recognition.     

Structural basis of recognition of pathogen-associated molecular patterns and inhibition of proinflammatory cytokines by camel peptidoglycan recognition protein

Peptidoglycan recognition proteins (PGRPs) are involved in the recognition of pathogen-associated molecular patterns. The well known pathogen-associated molecular patterns include LPS from Gram-negative bacteria and lipoteichoic acid (LTA) from Gram-positive bacteria. In this work, the crystal structures of two complexes of the short form of camel PGRP (CPGRP-S) with LPS and LTA determined at 1.7- and 2.1-? resolutions, respectively, are reported. Both compounds were held firmly inside the complex formed with four CPGRP-S molecules designated A, B, C, and D. The binding cleft is located at the interface of molecules C and D, which is extendable to the interface of molecules A and C. The interface of molecules A and B is tightly packed, whereas that of molecules B and D forms a wide channel. The hydrophilic moieties of these compounds occupy a common region, whereas hydrophobic chains interact with distinct regions in the binding site. The binding studies showed that CPGRP-S binds to LPS and LTA with affinities of 1.6 × 10(-9) and 2.4 × 10(-8) M, respectively. The flow cytometric studies showed that both LPS- and LTA-induced expression of the proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 was inhibited by CPGRP-S. The results of animal studies using mouse models indicated that both LPS- and LTA-induced mortality rates decreased drastically when CPGRP-S was administered. The recognition of both LPS and LTA, their high binding affinities for CPGRP-S, the significant decrease in the production of LPS- and LTA-induced TNF-α and IL-6, and the drastic reduction in the mortality rates in mice by CPGRP-S indicate its useful properties as an antibiotic agent.     

Multiligand specificity of pathogen-associated molecular pattern-binding site in peptidoglycan recognition protein

The peptidoglycan recognition protein PGRP-S is an innate immunity molecule that specifically interacts with microbial peptidoglycans and other pathogen-associated molecular patterns. We report here two structures of the unique tetrameric camel PGRP-S (CPGRP-S) complexed with (i) muramyl dipeptide (MDP) at 2.5 Å resolution and (ii) GlcNAc and β-maltose at 1.7Å resolution. The binding studies carried out using surface plasmon resonance indicated that CPGRP-S binds to MDP with a dissociation constant of 10⁻⁷ m, whereas the binding affinities for GlcNAc and β-maltose separately are in the range of 10⁻⁴ m to 10⁻⁵ m, whereas the dissociation constant for the mixture of GlcNAc and maltose was estimated to be 10⁻⁶ m. The data from bacterial suspension culture experiments showed a significant inhibition of the growth of Staphylococcus aureus cells when CPGRP-S was added to culture medium. The ELISA experiment showed that the amount of MDP-induced production of TNF-α and IL-6 decreased considerably after the introduction of CPGRP-S. The crystal structure determinations of (i) a binary complex with MDP and (ii) a ternary complex with GlcNAc and β-maltose revealed that MDP, GlcNAc, and β-maltose bound to CPGRP-S in the ligand binding cleft, which is situated at the interface of molecules C and D of the homotetramer formed by four protein molecules A, B, C, and D. In the binary complex, the muramyl moiety of MDP is observed at the C-D interface, whereas the peptide chain protrudes into the center of tetramer. In the ternary complex, GlcNAc and β-maltose occupy distinct non-overlapping positions belonging to different subsites.     

Peptidoglycan recognition proteins: a novel family of four human innate immunity pattern recognition molecules.

The innate immune system recognizes microorganisms through a series of pattern recognition receptors that are highly conserved in evolution. Insects have a family of 12 peptidoglycan recognition proteins (PGRPs) that recognize peptidoglycan, a ubiquitous component of bacterial cell walls. We report cloning of three novel human PGRPs (PGRP-L, PGRP-Ialpha, and PGRP-Ibeta) that together with the previously cloned PGRP-S, define a new family of human pattern recognition molecules. PGRP-L, PGRP-Ialpha, and PGRP-Ibeta have 576, 341, and 373 amino acids coded by five, seven, and eight exons on chromosomes 19 and 1, and they all have two predicted transmembrane domains. All mammalian and insect PGRPs have at least three highly conserved C-terminal PGRP domains located either in the extracellular or in the cytoplasmic (or in both) portions of the molecules. PGRP-L is expressed in liver, PGRP-Ialpha and PGRP-Ibeta in esophagus (and to a lesser extent in tonsils and thymus), and PGRP-S in bone marrow (and to a lesser extent in neutrophils and fetal liver). All four human PGRPs bind peptidoglycan and Gram-positive bacteria. Thus, these PGRPs may play a role in recognition of bacteria in these organs.     

Structural basis of heparin binding to camel peptidoglycan recognition protein-S

Short peptidoglycan recognition protein (PGRP-S) is a member of the innate immunity system in mammals. PGRP-S from Camelus dromedarius (CPGRP-S) is found to be highly potent against bacterial infections. It is capable of binding to a wide range of pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) including lipopolysaccharide (LPS), lipoteichoic acid (LTA) and peptidoglycan (PGN). The heparin-like polysaccharides have also been observed in some bacteria such as the capsule of K5 Escherichia coli thus making them relevant for determining the nature of their interactions with CPGRP-S. The binding studies of CPGRP-S with heparin disaccharide in solution using surface plasmon resonance gave a value 3.3×10^-7 M for the dissociation constant (Kd). The structure of the heparin bound CPGRP-S determined at 2.8Å resolution revealed the presence of a bound heparin molecule in the binding pocket of CPGRP-S. It was found anchored tightly to the protein with the help of several ionic and hydrogen bonded interactions. Three sulphate groups of heparin S1, S2 and S3 have been found to interact with residues, Arg-31, Lys-90, Thr- 97, Asn-99 Asn-140, Gln-150 and Arg-170 of CPGRP-S. The binding site includes two subsites, S-I and S-II with cleft-like structures. Heparin disaccharide is bound in subsite S-I. Previously determined structures of the complexes of CPGRP-S with LPS, LTA and PGN also showed that their glycan moieties were also held in subsite S-I indicating that heparin disaccharide also represents an important element for the recognition by CPGRP-S.     

Bovine peptidoglycan recognition protein-S: antimicrobial activity, localization, secretion, and binding properties

Peptidoglycan (PGN) recognition proteins (PGRPs) are pattern recognition molecules of innate immunity that are conserved from insects to humans. Various PGRPs are reported to have diverse functions: they bind bacterial molecules, digest PGN, and are essential to the Toll pathway in Drosophila. One family member, bovine PGN recognition protein-S (bPGRP-S), has been found to bind and kill microorganisms in a PGN-independent manner, raising questions about the identity of the bPGRP-S ligand. Addressing this, we have determined the binding and microbicidal properties of bPGRP-S in a range of solutions approximating physiologic conditions. In this study we show that bPGRP-S interacts with other bacterial components, including LPS and lipoteichoic acid, with higher affinities than for PCP, as determined by their abilities to inhibit bPGRP-S-mediated killing of bacteria. Where and how PGRPs act in vivo is not yet clear. Using Immunogold electron microscopy, PGRP-S was localized to the dense/large granules of naive neutrophils, which contain the oxygen-independent bactericidal proteins of these cells, and to the neutrophil phagolysosome. In addition, Immunogold staining and secretion studies demonstrate that neutrophils secrete PGRP-S when exposed to bacteria. Bovine PGRP-S can mediate direct lysis of heat-killed bacteria; however, PGRP-S-mediated killing of bacteria is independent of this activity. Evidence that bPGRP-S has multiple activities and affinity to several bacterial molecules challenges the assumption that the PGRP family of proteins recapitulates the evolution of TLRs. Mammalian PGRPs do not have a single antimicrobial activity against a narrow range of target organisms; rather, they are generalists in their affinity and activity.     

大鲵短型肽聚糖识别蛋白PGRP-S的克隆及其功能研究

实验构建了大鲵短型肽聚糖识别蛋白PGRP-S的真核表达质粒, 并对其功能进行了初步的研究。序列分析显示, 所克隆的大鲵PGRP-S的N端不含有信号肽; 其编码的氨基酸序列具有2个相距较近的半胱氨酸残基以及2个Zn2+结合位点。Western-blotting检测结果显示大鲵PGRP-S既可分泌到胞外, 也可滞留在胞内。体外抗菌实验的结果表明, 过表达大鲵PGRP-S能显著抑制迟缓爱德华氏菌(Edwardsiella tarda)在HEK293T细胞内和胞外培养基中的增殖。此外, 过表达大鲵PGRP-S能诱导NF-κB启动子的活性; 能结合Lys-type和Dap-type的肽聚糖但不能降解它们。研究结果表明大鲵PGRP-S在功能上类似于哺乳动物而有别于硬骨鱼类短型的肽聚糖识别蛋白。     

Distribution of multiple peptidoglycan recognition proteins in the tissues of Pacific oyster, Crassostrea gigas

Peptidoglycan recognition proteins (PGRPs) are pattern recognition receptors that specifically bind to peptidoglycans, a major component of bacterial cell wall. Generally, PGRPs are responsible for recognition of bacterial invasion in invertebrates. Full length cDNAs of PGRP, designated as CgPGRP-S1S, -S1L, -S2 and -S3, were identified from the Pacific oyster, Crassostrea gigas. Homology and domain searches classified these CgPGRPs as short-type PGRPs for extracellular PGN recognition. Amidase activity was predicted in all CgPGRPs, and defensin-like domains were found in CgPGRP-S1S and -S1L, suggesting that they may also function as antimicrobial proteins. Although phylogenetic analysis indicated that CgPGRPs are closely related to each other, they showed different tissue expression patterns; CgPGRP-S1S in the mantle and the gill, -S1L in the mantle, -S2 in the hemocytes and -S3 in the digestive diverticula. The CgPGRPs seem to survey bacterial invasion in their corresponding expression tissues. This is the first report of the possibility that bivalve mollusks have PGN recognition systems as suggested by the identification of multiple PGRPs distributed in various tissues.     

Human peptidoglycan recognition protein-L is an N-acetylmuramoyl-L-alanine amidase

Peptidoglycan recognition proteins (PGRPs) are pattern recognition molecules coded by up to 13 genes in insects and 4 genes in mammals. In insects PGRPs activate antimicrobial pathways in the hemolymph and cells, or are peptidoglycan (PGN)-lytic amidases. In mammals one PGRP is an antibacterial neutrophil protein. We report that human PGRP-L is a Zn2+-dependent N-acetylmuramoyl-l-alanine amidase (EC 3.5.1.28), an enzyme that hydrolyzes the amide bond between MurNAc and l-Ala of bacterial PGN. The minimum PGN fragment hydrolyzed by PGRP-L is MurNAc-tripeptide. PGRP-L has no direct bacteriolytic activity. The other members of the human PGRP family, PGRP-Ialpha, PGRP-Ibeta, and PGRP-S, do not have the amidase activity. The C-terminal region of PGRP-L, homologous to bacteriophage and bacterial amidases, is required and sufficient for the amidase activity of PGRP-L, although its activity (in the N-terminal delta1-343 deletion mutant) is reduced. The Zn2+ binding amino acids (conserved in PGRP-L and T7 amidase) and Cys-419 (not conserved in T7 amidase) are required for the amidase activity of PGRP-L, whereas three other amino acids, needed for the activity of T7 amidase, are not required for the activity of PGRP-L. These amino acids, although required, are not sufficient for the amidase activity, because changing them to the "active" configuration does not convert PGRP-S into an active amidase. In conclusion, human PGRP-L is an N-acetylmuramoyl-l-alanine amidase and this function is conserved in prokaryotes, insects, and mammals.     

Crystal structure of the peptidoglycan recognition protein at 1.8 A resolution reveals dual strategy to combat infection through two independent functional homodimers

The mammalian peptidoglycan recognition protein-S (PGRP-S) binds to peptidoglycans (PGNs), which are essential components of the cell wall of bacteria. The protein was isolated from the samples of milk obtained from camels with mastitis and purified to homogeneity and crystallized. The crystals belong to orthorhombic space group I222 with a = 87.0 Å, b = 101.7 Å and c = 162.3 Å having four crystallographically independent molecules in the asymmetric unit. The structure has been determined using X-ray crystallographic data and refined to 1.8 Å resolution. Overall, the structures of all the four crystallographically independent molecules are identical. The folding of PGRP-S consists of a central β-sheet with five β-strands, four parallel and one antiparallel, and three α-helices. This protein fold provides two functional sites. The first of these is the PGN-binding site, located on the groove that opens on the surface in the direction opposite to the location of the N terminus. The second site is implicated to be involved in the binding of non-PGN molecules, it also includes putative N-terminal segment residues (1-31) and helix α2 in the extended binding. The structure reveals a novel arrangement of PGRP-S molecules in which two pairs of molecules associate to form two independent dimers. The first dimer is formed by two molecules with N-terminal segments at the interface in which non-PGN binding sites are buried completely, whereas the PGN-binding sites of two participating molecules are fully exposed at the opposite ends of the dimer. In the second dimer, PGN-binding sites are buried at the interface while non-PGN binding sites are fully exposed at the opposite ends of the dimer. This form of dimeric arrangement is unique and seems to be aimed at enhancing the capability of the protein against specific invading bacteria. This mode of functional dimerization enhances efficiency and specificity, and is observed for the first time in the family of PGRP molecules.     

The peptidoglycan recognition proteins (PGRPs)

Peptidoglycan recognition proteins (PGRPs) are innate immunity molecules present in insects, mollusks, echinoderms, and vertebrates, but not in nematodes or plants. PGRPs have at least one carboxy-terminal PGRP domain (approximately 165 amino acids long), which is homologous to bacteriophage and bacterial type 2 amidases. Insects have up to 19 PGRPs, classified into short (S) and long (L) forms. The short forms are present in the hemolymph, cuticle, and fat-body cells, and sometimes in epidermal cells in the gut and hemocytes, whereas the long forms are mainly expressed in hemocytes. The expression of insect PGRPs is often upregulated by exposure to bacteria. Insect PGRPs activate the Toll or immune deficiency (Imd) signal transduction pathways or induce proteolytic cascades that generate antimicrobial products, induce phagocytosis, hydrolyze peptidoglycan, and protect insects against infections. Mammals have four PGRPs, which are secreted; it is not clear whether any are directly orthologous to the insect PGRPs. One mammalian PGRP, PGLYRP-2, is an N-acetylmuramoyl-L-alanine amidase that hydrolyzes bacterial peptidoglycan and reduces its proinflammatory activity; PGLYRP-2 is secreted from the liver into the blood and is also induced by bacteria in epithelial cells. The three remaining mammalian PGRPs are bactericidal proteins that are secreted as disulfide-linked homo- and hetero-dimers. PGLYRP-1 is expressed primarily in polymorphonuclear leukocyte granules and PGLYRP-3 and PGLYRP-4 are expressed in the skin, eyes, salivary glands, throat, tongue, esophagus, stomach, and intestine. These three proteins kill bacteria by interacting with cell wall peptidoglycan, rather than permeabilizing bacterial membranes as other antibacterial peptides do. Direct bactericidal activity of these PGRPs either evolved in the vertebrate (or mammalian) lineage or is yet to be discovered in insects.     

小菜蛾PGRP-S2基因的克隆表达及功能分析

肽聚糖识别蛋白(peptidoglycan recognition protein,PGRP)对于昆虫来说是一种高度保守的病原识别蛋白。为阐明PGRP-S2在小菜蛾Plutella xylostella抵抗病原微生物过程中的作用,本研究结合RT-PCR和RACE技术克隆得到小菜蛾PGRP-S2基因的cDNA全长序列,命名为PGRP-S2(GenBank登录号:MG570190)。生物信息学分析结果表明,PGRP-S2的开放阅读框为588 bp,编码195个氨基酸;蛋白质预测分子量为21.46 kDa,理论等电点为8.46;编码蛋白具有PGRP超家族保守结构域和酰胺酶结构域,是典型的肽聚糖识别蛋白,包含一条信号肽,不存在跨膜结构;同源序列比对和系统进化树分析表明PGRP-S2与家蚕Bombyx mori的BmPGRP-S 1进化距离最近。利用大肠杆菌Escherichia coli BL21(DE3)高效表达重组蛋白PxPGRP-S2,利用倒置显微镜及平板涂布观察重组蛋白对大肠杆菌E.coli和金黄色葡萄球菌Staphylococcus aureus的作用,结果表明PxPGRP-S2蛋白能够与两种细菌发生结合并凝集细菌,但不具备直接杀菌功能。本研究为进一步研究基于PGRP-S2介导的小菜蛾免疫防御反应提供基础。     

Molecular characterization of a short peptidoglycan recognition protein (PGRP-S) from Asian corn borer (Ostrinia furnacalis) and its role in triggering proPO activity

Peptidoglycan recognition proteins (PGRPs) are non-specific immune molecules of insects, and vertebrates etc., but are not present in plants and nematodes. In the current experiment, a PGRP DNA sequence (2,910 bp containing four exons) was identified from genomic DNA library of Asian corn borer, Ostrinia furnacalis, and a full-length cDNA programming PGRP was cloned (designed as OfPGRP-S) with an open reading frame of 579 bp, having 192 amino acid. This inferred amino acid sequence showed maximum similarity to known lepidopteran PGRPs. Quantitative real-time PCR investigation disclosed the level of mRNA of OfPGRP-S to be constitutively expressed in the whole developmental stages and with higher expression in the mature larvae. Even more the OfPGRP-S was mainly expressed in immune capable organs i.e., fat body and midgut, and was strongly induced by injecting gram-positive bacteria i.e., Staphylococus aureus. Recombinant protein OfPGRP-S could bind to S. aureus and Bacillus thuringiensis which enhance proPO activation in the presence of these microbes. The results indicated that OfPGRP-S is an inducible protein acting as a receptor-type PGRP for enhancing the proPO activation on exposure to bacteria.     

Molecular evolution of the three short PGRPs of the malaria vectors <Emphasis Type="Italic">An</Emphasis>opheles <Emphasis Type="Italic">gambiae</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Anopheles arabiensis</Emphasis>in East Africa

Background  

Immune responses to parasites, which start with pathogen recognition, play a decisive role in the control of the infection in mosquitoes. Peptidoglycan recognition proteins (PGRPs) are an important family of pattern recognition receptors that are involved in the activation of these immune reactions. Pathogen pressure can exert adaptive changes in host genes that are crucial components of the vector's defence. The aim of this study was to determine the molecular evolution of the three short PGRPs (PGRP-S1, PGRP-S2 and PGRP-S3) in the two main African malaria vectors - Anopheles gambiae and Anopheles arabiensis.     

Structural insights for fatty acid binding in a Lys49-phospholipase A2: crystal structure of myotoxin II from Bothrops moojeni complexed with stearic acid

The crystal structure of dimeric Lys49-phospholipase A2 myotoxin-II from Bothrops moojeni (MjTX-II) co-crystallized with stearic acid (C(18)H(36)O(2)) has been determined at a resolution of 1.8 A. The electron density maps permitted the unambiguous inclusion of six stearic acid molecules in the refinement. Two stearic acid molecules could be located in the substrate-binding cleft of each monomer in positions, which favor the interaction of their carboxyl groups with active site residues. The way of binding of stearic acids to this Lys49-PLA(2)s is analogous to phospholipids and transition state analogues to catalytically active PLA(2)s. Two additional stearic acid molecules were located at the dimer interface region, defining a hitherto unidentified acyl-binding site on the protein surface. The strictly conserved Lys122 for Lys49-PLA(2)s may play a fundamental role for stabilization of legend-protein complex. The comparison of MjTX-II/satiric acid complex with other Lys-PLA(2)s structures whose putative fatty acids were located at their active site is also analysed. Molecular details of the stearic acid/protein interactions provide insights to binding in group I/II PLA(2)s, and to the possible interactions of Lys49-PLA(2)s with target membranes.     

Chemically synthesized pathogen-associated molecular patterns increase the expression of peptidoglycan recognition proteins via toll-like receptors, NOD1 and NOD2 in human oral epithelial cells

Peptidoglycan recognition proteins (PGRPs), a novel family of pattern recognition molecules (PRMs) in innate immunity conserved from insects to mammals, recognize bacterial cell wall peptidoglycan (PGN) and are suggested to act as anti-bacterial factors. In humans, four kinds of PGRPs (PGRP-L, -Ialpha, -Ibeta and -S) have been cloned and all four human PGRPs bind PGN. In this study, we examined the possible regulation of the expression of PGRPs in oral epithelial cells upon stimulation with chemically synthesized pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) in bacterial cell surface components: Escherichia coli-type tryacyl lipopeptide (Pam3CSSNA), E. coli-type lipid A (LA-15-PP), diaminopimelic acid containing desmuramyl peptide (gamma-D-glutamyl-meso-DAP; iE-DAP), and muramyldipeptide (MDP). These synthetic PAMPs markedly upregulated the mRNA expression of the four PGRPs and cell surface expression of PGRP-Ialpha and -Ibeta, but did not induce either mRNA expression or secretion of inflammatory cytokines, in oral epithelial cells. Suppression of the expression of Toll-like receptor (TLR)2, TLR4, nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)1 and NOD2 by RNA interference specifically inhibited the upregulation of PGRP mRNA expression induced by Pam3CSSNA, LA-15-PP, iE-DAP and MDP respectively. These PAMPs definitely activated nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB in the epithelial cells, and suppression of NF-kappaB activation clearly prevented the induction of PGRP mRNA expression induced by these PAMPs in the cells. These findings suggested that bacterial PAMPs induced the expression of PGRPs, but not proinflammatory cytokines, in oral epithelial cells, and the PGRPs might be involved in host defence against bacterial invasion without accompanying inflammatory responses.     

Peptidoglycan recognition proteins kill bacteria by activating protein-sensing two-component systems

Mammalian peptidoglycan recognition proteins (PGRPs), similar to antimicrobial lectins, bind the bacterial cell wall and kill bacteria through an unknown mechanism. We show that PGRPs enter the Gram-positive cell wall at the site of daughter cell separation during cell division. In Bacillus subtilis, PGRPs activate the CssR-CssS two-component system that detects and disposes of misfolded proteins that are usually exported out of bacterial cells. This activation results in membrane depolarization, cessation of intracellular peptidoglycan, protein, RNA and DNA synthesis, and production of hydroxyl radicals, which are responsible for bacterial death. PGRPs also bind the outer membrane of Escherichia coli and activate the functionally homologous CpxA-CpxR two-component system, which kills the bacteria. We exclude other potential bactericidal mechanisms, including inhibition of extracellular peptidoglycan synthesis, hydrolysis of peptidoglycan and membrane permeabilization. Thus, we reveal a previously unknown mechanism by which innate immunity proteins that bind the cell wall or outer membrane exploit the bacterial stress defense response to kill bacteria.