Structure of an avian influenza A virus NS1 protein effector domain.
July 3rd, 2008 | by admin |Structure of an avian influenza A virus NS1 protein effector domain.
Influenza A virus NS1 protein is a multifunctional virulence factor. Here, we report a crystal structure for the NS1 effector domain of avian influenza virus A/Duck/Albany/76. Comparison of this structure with that reported for a human strain shows both proteins share a common monomer conformation, albeit with subtle differences. Strikingly, our data reveal a novel helix-helix dimeric interface between monomers of the avian NS1 protein, which is also found in the human NS1 crystal lattice. We re-evaluate the current model of NS1 dimeric assembly, and provide biochemical evidence to show tryptophan-187 (a residue located at the helix-helix interface) is essential for dimerization of this effector domain.
Hale BG, Barclay WS, Randall RE, Russell RJ.
Centre for Biomolecular Sciences, University of St. Andrews, St. Andrews, Fife, KY16 9ST, UK.