Correlation between Shiga toxin B-subunit stability and antigen crosspresentation: a mutational analysis

FEBS Lett. 2008 Jan 23;582(2):185-9. doi: 10.1016/j.febslet.2007.11.086. Epub 2007 Dec 10.

Abstract

The homopentameric B-subunit of Shiga toxin (STxB) is used as a tool to deliver antigenic peptides and proteins to the cytosolic compartment of dendritic cells (DCs). In this study, a series of interface mutants of STxB has been constructed. All mutants retained their overall conformation, while a loss in thermal stability was observed. This effect was even more pronounced in trifluoroethanol solutions that mimic the membrane environment. Despite this, all mutants were equally efficient at delivering a model antigenic protein into the MHC class I-restricted antigen presentation pathway of mouse DCs, suggesting that the structural stability of STxB is not a key factor in the membrane translocation process.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antigens / immunology*
  • Circular Dichroism
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique
  • HeLa Cells
  • Humans
  • Models, Molecular
  • Mutation*
  • Protein Conformation
  • Shiga Toxins / chemistry*
  • Shiga Toxins / genetics
  • Shiga Toxins / immunology
  • Spectrophotometry, Ultraviolet

Substances

  • Antigens
  • Shiga Toxins