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The glycolipid alpha-galactosylceramide binds with high affinity to CD1d and stimulates natural killer T cells. Here we report the crystal structure of human CD1d in complex with synthetic alpha-galactosylceramide at a resolution of 3.0 A. The structure shows a tightly fit lipid in the CD1d binding groove, with the sphingosine chain bound in the C' pocket and the longer acyl chain anchored in the A' pocket. We also present the CD1d structure without lipid, which has a more open conformation of the binding groove, suggesting a dual conformation of CD1d in which the 'open' conformation is more able to load lipids. These structures provide clues as to how CD1 molecules load glycolipids as well as data to guide the design of new therapeutic agents.

Original publication

DOI

10.1038/ni1225

Type

Journal article

Journal

Nat Immunol

Publication Date

08/2005

Volume

6

Pages

819 - 826

Keywords

Animals, Antigen Presentation, Antigens, Antigens, CD1, Antigens, CD1d, Crystallography, X-Ray, Galactosylceramides, Glycolipids, Humans, Killer Cells, Natural, Lipids, Mice, Models, Molecular, Molecular Conformation, Protein Binding, Protein Conformation, Protein Folding, Protein Structure, Tertiary, Sphingosine, T-Lymphocytes