Identification of the Hepatitis C Virus E2 Glycoprotein Binding Site on the Large Extracellular Loop of CD81

摘要

The binding of hepatitis C virus glycoprotein E2 to the large extracellular loop (LEL) of CD81 has been shown to modulate human T-cell and NK cell activity in vitro. Using random mutagenesis of a chimera of maltose-binding protein and LEL residues 113 to 201, we have determined that the E2-binding site on CD81 comprises residues Ile182, Phe186, Asn184, and Leu162. These findings reveal an E2-binding surface of approximately 806 Å2 and potential target sites for the development of small-molecule inhibitors of E2 binding.