The purpose of this letter is to expand a discussion, published recently in Molecular Immunology, on the post-secretion gain of function by immunoglobulins. It was reported that some circulating IgG molecules in all healthy individuals acquire novel antigen-binding specificity after exposure to conditions that change protein conformation, such as acidic pH. Another protein, C-reactive protein, also acquires novel ligand-binding specificity post-secretion after a switch from its native pentameric conformation to non-native pentameric conformation. Thus, that the functions of a protein depend upon its alternate structural states, and therefore on the surrounding milieu, is a more general phenomenon for some ancient molecules of the immune system than previously thought.
Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ETSU/oai:dc.etsu.edu:etsu-works-16233 |
Date | 31 December 2013 |
Creators | Agrawal, Alok |
Publisher | Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University |
Source Sets | East Tennessee State University |
Detected Language | English |
Type | text |
Source | ETSU Faculty Works |
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