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Optimization of Synthetic Proteins: Identification of Interpositional Dependencies Indicating Structurally and/or Functionally Linked Residues
Published on: July 14, 2015
Polyproline and triple helix motifs in host-pathogen recognition.
Rita Berisio1, Luigi Vitagliano
1Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini, CNR via Mezzocannone 16, I-80134 Napoli, Italy.
Current Protein & Peptide Science
|January 12, 2013
Summary
Polyproline II (PPII) helices and triple helices are crucial for host-pathogen interactions, mediating direct protein binding or acting as structural spacers. These structures are also targeted by pathogens and can even serve as decoys.
Area of Science:
- Structural biology
- Molecular interactions
- Host-pathogen dynamics
Background:
- Secondary structure elements mediate protein-protein interactions.
- Polyproline II (PPII) helices and triple helices, though rare, are frequently involved in protein interactions due to their solvent-exposed nature.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of PPII and triple helix structures in host-pathogen interactions.
- To emphasize the structural aspects of these interactions.
- To discuss the solvation state of these elements during protein-protein binding.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on structural aspects of PPII and triple helix in host-pathogen interactions.
- Analysis of experimental and theoretical studies on collagen triple helix-adhesin complexes.
- Discussion of recent findings on bacterial triple helix-containing proteins interacting with host proteins.
Main Results:
- PPII motifs can directly mediate host-pathogen protein interactions or function as structural spacers for adhesion and infectivity.
- Collagen triple helix is a common target for bacterial adhesins, with some structural insights into recognition.
- Pathogens utilize triple helices both as targets and as decoys (baits) in host interactions.
Conclusions:
- PPII and triple helix structures play multifaceted roles in host-pathogen interactions.
- The preservation of solvation is a key emerging aspect of these protein-protein interactions.
- Understanding these structural motifs is vital for deciphering host-pathogen dynamics.
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