A short HLA-DRA isoform binds the HLA-DR2 heterodimer on the outer domain of the peptide-binding site

The human leukocyte antigen (HLA) locus encodes a large group of proteins governing adaptive and innate immune responses. Among them, HLA class II proteins form α/β heterodimers on the membrane of professional antigen-presenting cells (APCs), where they display both, self and pathogen-derived exogenous antigens to CD4⁺ T lymphocytes. We have previously shown that a shorter HLA-DRA isoform (sHLA-DRA) lacking 25 amino acids can be presented onto the cell membrane via binding to canonical HLA-DR2 heterodimers. Here, we employed atomistic molecular dynamics simulations to decipher the binding position of sHLA-DRA and its structural impact on functional regions of the HLA-DR2 molecule. We show that a loop region exposed only in the short isoform (residues R69 to G83) is responsible for binding HLA-DR2 on the outer domain of the peptide-binding site, and experimentally validated the critical role of F76 in mediating such interaction. Additionally, sHLA-DRA allosterically modifies the peptide-binding pocket conformation. In summary, this study unravels key molecular mechanisms underlying sHLA-DRA function, providing important insights into the role of full-length proteins in structural modulation of HLA class II receptors.

New ligands of the ghrelin receptor based on the 1,2,4-triazole scaffold by introduction of a second chiral center

Introducing a second chiral center on our previously described 1,2,4-triazole, allowed us to increase diversity and elongate the 'C-terminal part' of the molecule. Therefore, we were able to explore mimics of the substance P analogs described as inverse agonists. Some compounds presented affinities in the nanomolar range and potent biological activities, while one exhibited a partial inverse agonist behavior similar to a Substance P analog.

Structural modulation of silicon nanowires by combining a high gas flow rate with metal catalysts

We grew silicon nanowires (SiNWs) by a vapor-liquid-solid (VLS) mechanism using metal catalysts of gold (Au), titanium (Ti), manganese (Mn), and iron (Fe) under a high flow rate of hydrogen (H2). This combination of catalyst types and high gas flow rate revealed the potential for growing various SiNWs, including kinked SiNWs (with Au), ultra-thin SiNWs having diameters about 5 nm (with Ti), rough-surfaced SiNWs (with Mn), and ribbon-shaped SiNWs tens of microns in width (with Fe). The high flow rate of gas affects the VLS mechanism differently for each combination; for example, it induces an unstable solid-liquid interfaces (with Au), active etching of the catalyst (with Ti), sidewall deposition by a vapor-solid (VS) mechanism, and an asymmetric precipitation of Si in the catalyst (with Fe). Our combinatorial approach may provide a new path for the structural modulation of SiNWs via the VLS mechanism.

PACS

80; 81; 82.