PMID: 21566123

Authors:

Watson AA, Lebedev AA, Hall BA, Fenton-May AE, Vagin AA, Dejnirattisai W, Felce J, Mongkolsapaya J, Palma AS, Liu Y, Feizi T, Screaton GR, Murshudov GN, O'Callaghan CA

Title:

Structural flexibility of the macrophage dengue virus receptor CLEC5A: Implications for ligand binding and signaling.

Journal:

J Biol Chem. 2011 May 12.

Abstract:

The human C-type lectin-like molecule CLEC5A is a critical macrophage receptor for dengue virus. Binding of dengue virus to CLEC5A triggers signaling through the associated adapter molecule DAP12, stimulating proinflammatory cytokine release. We crystallized an informative ensemble of CLEC5A structural isoforms at 1.9 Angstrom resolution, and demonstrate how an on-off extension to a beta-sheet acts as a binary switch regulating the flexibility of the molecule. This structural information together with molecular dynamics simulations, suggests a mechanism whereby extracellular events may be transmitted through the membrane and influence DAP12 signaling. We demonstrate that CLEC5A is homodimeric and binds to dengue virus serotypes 1-4. Using blotting experiments, surface analyses and docking studies, we investigate the interaction of CLEC5A with dengue virus, mannose, fucose and associated sugars and highlight three distinct potential ligand binding sites. This study provides a rational foundation for understanding the dengue virus-macrophage interaction and the role of CLEC5A in dengue virus-induced lethal disease.