Structural basis of cell adhesion
Cell adhesion is extremely important in immune surveillance and the formation of immunological synapse, the key local contacts between immune cells and antigen-presenting cells. These processes are not directly related to antigen-recognition. However, they play a key role in immune function. For example, we have worked out how Inter-Cellular Adhesion Molecule (ICAM) family members interact with integrin LFA-1 at atomic resolution. These interactions help leukocytes recruited from blood stream to the issues in need (such as infection or inflammation sites) through endothelium. These interactions along with the binding between CD2 and CD58 from opposing cell surfaces are the major driving force for the formation of immunological synapse to facilitate T cell recognition and activation.
Cell adhesion is also vital for tissue maintenance and nervous system development. We have determined structure of N-terminal two-domain of E-cadherin, the molecule that plays a key role for epithelial tissue formation.
From these works we have formulated some principal of protein-protein interactions from opposing cell surfaces. We have summarized the unique structural features of this interaction as opposed to protein-protein interaction in solution.
Cell adhesion is also vital for tissue maintenance and nervous system development. We have determined structure of N-terminal two-domain of E-cadherin, the molecule that plays a key role for epithelial tissue formation.
From these works we have formulated some principal of protein-protein interactions from opposing cell surfaces. We have summarized the unique structural features of this interaction as opposed to protein-protein interaction in solution.