Abstract
Cell-cell adhesive processes are central to the physiology of multicellular organisms. A number of cell surface molecules contribute to cell-cell adhesion, and the dysfunction of adhesive processes underlies numerous developmental defects and inherited diseases. The nectins, a family of four immunoglobulin superfamily members (nectin-1 to -4), interact through their extracellular domains to support cell-cell adhesion. While both homophilic and heterophilic interactions among the nectins are implicated in cell-cell adhesion, cell-based and biochemical studies suggest heterophilic interactions are stronger than homophilic interactions and control a range of physiological processes. In addition to interactions within the nectin family, heterophilic associations with nectin-like molecules, immune receptors, and viral glycoproteins support a wide range of biological functions, including immune modulation, cancer progression, host-pathogen interactions and immune evasion. We review current structural and molecular knowledge of nectin recognition processes, with a focus on the biochemical and biophysical determinants of affinity and selectivity that drive distinct nectin associations. These proteins and interactions are discussed as potential targets for immunotherapy.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 645-658 |
Number of pages | 14 |
Journal | Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences |
Volume | 72 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Feb 2015 |
Keywords
- Cadherin
- Crystal structures
- Immune receptors
- Immunoglobulin fold
- Nectin
- Nectin homodimers
- Nectin-like molecules
- Viral entry receptors
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Molecular Medicine
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology
- Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience
- Cell Biology