PMID: 20032458 , Related PDB id: 2WAK

Authors:

Won EY, Cha K, Byun JS, Kim DU, Shin S, Ahn B, Kim YH, Rice AJ, Walz T, Kwon BS, Cho HS

Title:

The structure of the trimer of human 4-1BB ligand is unique among members of the tumor necrosis factor superfamily.

Journal:

J Biol Chem. 2010 Mar 19;285(12):9202-10. Epub 2009 Dec 23.

Abstract:

Binding of the 4-1BB ligand (4-1BBL) to its receptor, 4-1BB, provides the T lymphocyte with co-stimulatory signals for survival, proliferation, and differentiation. Importantly, the 4-1BB-4-1BBL pathway is a well known target for anti-cancer immunotherapy. Here we present the 2.3-A crystal structure of the extracellular domain of human 4-1BBL. The ectodomain forms a homotrimer with an extended, three-bladed propeller structure that differs from trimers formed by other members of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) superfamily. Based on the 4-1BBL structure, we modeled its complex with 4-1BB, which was consistent with images obtained by electron microscopy, and verified the binding site by site-directed mutagenesis. This structural information will facilitate the development of immunotherapeutics targeting 4-1BB.