Structural basis of T-cell specificity and activation by the bacterial superantigen TSST-1

Beenu Moza, Ashok K. Varma, Rebecca A. Buonpane, Penny Zhu, Christine A. Herfst, Melissa J. Nicholson, Anne Kathrin Wilbuer, Nilufer P. Seth, Kai W. Wucherpfennig, John K. McCormick, David M. Kranz, Eric J. Sundberg

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Superantigens (SAGs) bind simultaneously to major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and T-cell receptor (TCR) molecules, resulting in the massive release of inflammatory cytokines that can lead to toxic shock syndrome (TSS) and death. A major causative agent of TSS is toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 (TSST-1), which is unique relative to other bacterial SAGs owing to its structural divergence and its stringent TCR specificity. Here, we report the crystal structure of TSST-1 in complex with an affinity-matured variant of its wild-type TCR ligand, human T-cell receptor β chain variable domain 2.1. From this structure and a model of the wild-type complex, we show that TSST-1 engages TCR ligands in a markedly different way than do other SAGs. We provide a structural basis for the high TCR specificity of TSST-1 and present a model of the TSST-1-dependent MHC-SAG-TCR T-cell signaling complex that is structurally and energetically unique relative to those formed by other SAGs. Our data also suggest that protein plasticity plays an exceptionally significant role in this affinity maturation process that results in more than a 3000-fold increase in affinity.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1187-1197
Number of pages11
JournalEMBO Journal
Volume26
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 21 2007

Keywords

  • Protein-protein interaction
  • Superantigen
  • Surface plasmon resonance
  • T-cell activity
  • X-ray crystallography

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Neuroscience
  • Molecular Biology
  • General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology
  • General Immunology and Microbiology

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