Structure of the Malpha2-3 toxin alpha antibody-antigen complex: combination of modelling with functional mapping experimental results

Protein Eng. 2000 May;13(5):345-51. doi: 10.1093/protein/13.5.345.

Abstract

Modelled structures of the acetylcholine receptor-mimicking antibody, Malpha2-3, both free and bound to its antigen, toxin alpha, are assessed in the light of new experimental mutational data from functional mapping of the paratopic region of Malpha2-3. The experimental results are consistent with the previously-predicted structure of the free antibody, and also demonstrate that structural particularities of the Malpha2-3 combining site that were identified in the models play a role in the protein association. The modelled conformations of the hypervariable loops are discussed in the context of recent new data and analyses. The new mutational data allow several previously-considered modelled structures of the complex to be rejected. Two quite similar models now remain.

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies / chemistry*
  • Epitope Mapping
  • Models, Molecular
  • Protein Conformation
  • Receptors, Cholinergic / immunology*
  • Toxins, Biological / immunology*

Substances

  • Antibodies
  • Receptors, Cholinergic
  • Toxins, Biological