PMID: 19682998 , Related PDB ids: 3H9Y, 3H9Z, 3HA0

Authors:

Wurzburg BA, Jardetzky TS

Title:

Conformational flexibility in immunoglobulin E-Fc 3-4 revealed in multiple crystal forms.

Journal:

J Mol Biol. 2009 Oct 16;393(1):176-90. Epub 2009 Aug 13.

Abstract:

The structure of immunoglobulin E (IgE)-Fc(3-4) has been solved in three new crystal forms, providing 13 snapshots of the Fc conformation and revealing a diverse range of open-closed motions among subunit chains and dimers. A more detailed analysis of the open-to-closed motion of IgE-Fc(3-4) was possible with so many structures, and the new structures allow a more thorough examination of the flexibility of IgE-Fc and its implications for receptor binding. The existence of a hydrophobic pocket at the elbow region of the Fc appears to be conformation dependent and suggests a means of regulating the IgE-Fc conformation (and potentially receptor binding) with small molecules.