Title : Structural basis for inhibition of
TLR2 by staphylococcal superantigen-like
protein 3 (
SSL3 )
Abstract :
- Toll-like receptors ( TLRs ) are crucial in innate recognition of invading micro-organisms and their subsequent clearance
- Bacteria are not passive bystanders and have evolved complex evasion mechanisms
- Staphylococcus aureus secretes a potent TLR2 antagonist, staphylococcal superantigen-like protein 3 ( SSL3 ), which prevents receptor stimulation by pathogen-associated lipopeptides
- Here, we present crystal structures of SSL3 and its complex with TLR2
- The structure reveals that formation of the specific inhibitory complex is predominantly mediated by hydrophobic contacts between SSL3 and TLR2 and does not involve interaction of TLR2-glycans with the conserved Lewis(X) binding site of SSL3
- In the complex, SSL3 partially covers the entrance to the lipopeptide binding pocket in TLR2 , reducing its size by ∼50%
- We show that this is sufficient to inhibit binding of agonist Pam2CSK4 effectively, yet allows SSL3 to bind to an already formed TLR2-Pam2CSK4 complex
- The binding site of SSL3 overlaps those of TLR2 dimerization partners TLR1 and TLR6 extensively
- Combined, our data reveal a robust dual mechanism in which SSL3 interferes with TLR2 activation at two stages: by binding to TLR2 , it blocks ligand binding and thus inhibits activation
- Second, by interacting with an already formed TLR2-lipopeptide complex, it prevents TLR heterodimerization and downstream signaling
Output (sent_index, trigger,
protein,
sugar,
site):
- 5. SSL3, , SSL3, the conserved Lewis(X) binding site, -
Output(Part-Of) (sent_index,
protein,
site):
*Output_Site_Fusion* (sent_index,
protein,
sugar,
site):