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Published on: December 21, 2019
Crystal structure of human enterovirus 71 3C protease
Sheng Cui1, Jing Wang, Tingting Fan
1State Key Laboratory for Molecular Virology and Genetic Engineering, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, People's Republic of China. cuisheng2007@yahoo.com.cn
Human enterovirus 71 (EV71) causes hand, foot, and mouth disease. This study reveals the first crystal structure of EV71 3C protease, identifying a mobile beta-ribbon crucial for its activity and potential drug targeting.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Structural Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Human enterovirus 71 (EV71) is a significant pathogen causing hand, foot, and mouth disease in children.
- Current outbreaks necessitate urgent development of antiviral therapies as vaccines and drugs are unavailable.
- EV71 3C protease (3C(pro)) is essential for viral replication and pathogenesis, making it a key target for antiviral drug development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the first crystal structure of EV71 3C(pro).
- To analyze the enzymatic activity and structural features of EV71 3C(pro).
- To provide a structural basis for the design of novel antiviral inhibitors.
Main Methods:
- X-ray crystallography was used to determine the 3D structure of EV71 3C(pro).
- Enzymatic activity assays were performed to assess protease function.
- Structure-guided site-directed mutagenesis was employed to investigate the role of specific residues and structural elements.
Main Results:
- The crystal structure revealed a typical chymotrypsin-like fold for EV71 3C(pro).
- A novel, mobile beta-ribbon conformation was identified on the enzyme's surface.
- Key hinge residues (Gly123 and His133) were found to be critical for the proteolytic activity of EV71 3C(pro).
Conclusions:
- This study presents the first structural insights into EV71 3C(pro), highlighting a mobile beta-ribbon involved in its mechanism.
- The findings provide a structural framework for developing targeted antiviral inhibitors against EV71.
- Understanding the structure-function relationship of EV71 3C(pro) is crucial for combating hand, foot, and mouth disease.
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