The structural basis for receptor recognition of human interleukin-18.

ABSTRACT: Interleukin (IL)-18 is a proinflammatory cytokine that belongs to the IL-1 family and plays an important role in inflammation. The uncontrolled release of this cytokine is associated with severe chronic inflammatory disease. IL-18 forms a signalling complex with the IL-18 receptor ? (R?) and ? (R?) chains at the plasma membrane, which induces multiple inflammatory cytokines. Here, we present a crystal structure of human IL-18 bound to the two receptor extracellular domains. Generally, the receptors' recognition mode for IL-18 is similar to IL-1?; however, certain notable differences were observed. The architecture of the IL-18 receptor second domain (D2) is unique among the other IL-1R family members, which presumably distinguishes them from the IL-1 receptors that exhibit a more promiscuous ligand recognition mode. The structures and associated biochemical and cellular data should aid in developing novel drugs to neutralize IL-18 activity.

SUBMITTER: Tsutsumi N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4275594 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature