Crystal structure of a complete ternary complex of TCR, superantigen and peptide-MHC.

ABSTRACT: 'Superantigens' (SAgs) trigger the massive activation of T cells by simultaneous interactions with MHC and TCR receptors, leading to human diseases. Here we present the first crystal structure, at 2.5-A resolution, of a complete ternary complex between a SAg and its two receptors, HLA-DR1/HA and TCR. The most striking finding is that the SAg Mycoplasma arthritidis mitogen, unlike others, has direct contacts not only with TCR Vbeta but with TCR Valpha.

SUBMITTER: Wang L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3923521 | biostudies-literature | 2007 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature