2flg
From Proteopedia
Solution structure of an EGF-LIKE domain from the Plasmodium falciparum merozoite surface protein 1
Overview
The Plasmodium falciparum merozoite surface protein-1 19 kDa fragment (MSP-1(19)) comprises two closely packed EGF-like domains (EGF=epidermal growth factor), each stabilized by three disulfide bonds. The native conformation of this protein is important for eliciting P. falciparum growth inhibitory antibodies. Here we show that the N-terminal EGF domain alone can be chemically synthesized and efficiently refolded to a native-like state, as shown by its solution structure as determined by NMR spectroscopy. In order to study its immunogenicity, the domain was coupled through its N terminus to a phospholipid and incorporated into reconstituted influenza virus-like particles (virosomes). When used to immunize mice, the peptide-loaded virosomes elicited potent humoral immune responses that were shown by Western blots and immunofluorescence assays to cross-react with native MSP-1 on the surfaces of P. falciparum blood stage parasites. This opens the way for a medicinal chemistry-oriented approach to the study and optimization of the antigenicity of the protein as a potential malaria vaccine candidate, whilst exploiting the immunopotentiating properties of influenza virosomes as a delivery vehicle.
About this Structure
2FLG is a Single protein structure. Full crystallographic information is available from OCA.
Reference
Synthesis, solution structure and immune recognition of an epidermal growth factor-like domain from Plasmodium falciparum merozoite surface protein-1., James S, Moehle K, Renard A, Mueller MS, Vogel D, Zurbriggen R, Pluschke G, Robinson JA, Chembiochem. 2006 Dec;7(12):1943-50. PMID:17068840 Page seeded by OCA on Sun May 4 04:01:51 2008
