German scientists reveal the structure of key proteins in the immune system (8.11)

By means of X-ray structural analysis, the complete structure of G-type immunoglobulin and its mechanism of directing immune cells to attack "invaders" were revealed The research group led by Professor Robert Huber has successfully isolated the complete crystal of G protein after three years of research, and analyzed it at the molecular level by X-ray structure analysis method, according to the report published on the 21st by the Research Institute Their research results have been published in the latest issue of nature There are five types of human immunoglobulins: m, G, a, D and e g protein is the most important It accounts for 80% of human immune protein and exists in blood and lymph It can protect the body from bacteria, viruses and toxic substances This protein is also the main component of the maternal and embryonic passive immunity inheritance It is important to reveal the structure of G protein in the treatment of allergic diseases and rejection in organ transplantation Professor Huber and his team found that g-globulin is not a globular protein, but a "Y" protein fragment complex It consists of two parts: antibody protein and receptor protein It looks like a pincers holding nails Antibody protein is "pincers" and receptor protein is "nails" The other end of the receptor protein attaches to the cell membrane of immune cells, such as macrophages Following the "lock and key rule", an antibody protein can only bind to the same receptor protein Usually, the antibody protein and receptor protein are separated The antibody protein swims in the blood or lymph around the immune cells When encountering invasion such as bacteria and virus, the antibody protein will attach to the "invader" Then the immune cells connect with the antibody egg white through the receptor protein and start the attack process Professor Huber pointed out that the sequence of amino acids and the spatial structure of immune E protein and G protein are very similar If the corresponding drugs can be developed to block the binding process of E protein antibody and receptor, it is possible to completely treat allergy At present, another research group of the Institute is studying this 5zw (author:)