Publication Abstract from PubMed
Most poxviruses, including variola, the causative agent of smallpox, express a secreted protein of 35 kDa, vCCI, which binds CC-chemokines with high affinity. This viral protein competes with the host cellular CC-chemokine receptors (CCRs), reducing inflammation and interfering with the host immune response. Such proteins or derivatives may have therapeutic uses as anti-inflammatory agents. We have determined the crystal structure to 1.85-A resolution of vCCI from cowpox virus, the prototype of this poxvirus virulence factor. The molecule is a beta-sandwich of topology not previously described. A patch of conserved residues on the exposed face of a beta-sheet that is strongly negatively charged might have a role in binding of CC-chemokines, which are positively charged.
Structure of a soluble secreted chemokine inhibitor vCCI (p35) from cowpox virus.,Carfi A, Smith CA, Smolak PJ, McGrew J, Wiley DC Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1999 Oct 26;96(22):12379-83. PMID:10535930[1]
From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
