Beschin A, Bilej M, Magez S, Lucas R, De Baetselier P. Functional convergence of invertebrate and vertebrate cytokine-like molecules based on a similar lectin-like activity.
PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR AND SUBCELLULAR BIOLOGY 2003;
34:145-63. [PMID:
14979667 DOI:
10.1007/978-3-642-18670-7_6]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
It is generally accepted that the action of cytokines results from their binding to specific receptors. However, many cytokines possess lectin-like activity that may be essential for the expression of their full biological activities. This review focuses on the physiological relevance of the lectin-like activity of cytokines during the innate immune response in mammals, using TNF as an illustrative example. Moreover, we will show that TNF displays functional analogies with a defense molecule from the earthworm Eisenia foetida termed CCF. These analogies are not reflected by primary sequence homology between CCF and TNF but are particularly based on a similar lectin-like activity/domain. Hence, from a phylogenetic point of view, the lectin-like activity/domain of CCF and TNF may represent an essential recognition mechanism that has been functionally conserved during the innate immune response of invertebrates and vertebrates as a result of convergent evolution.
Collapse