Identification of the hepatitis C virus E2 glycoprotein binding site on the large extracellular loop of CD81

The binding of hepatitis C virus glycoprotein E2 to the large extracellular loop (LEL) of CD81 has been shown to modulate human T-cell and NK cell activity in vitro. Using random mutagenesis of a chimera of maltose-binding protein and LEL residues 113 to 201, we have determined that the E2-binding site on CD81 comprises residues Ile(182), Phe(186), Asn(184), and Leu(162). These findings reveal an E2-binding surface of approximately 806 A(2) and potential target sites for the development of small-molecule inhibitors of E2 binding.