Structural insights into the interaction of a monoclonal antibody and Nodal peptides by STD-NMR spectroscopy

Publication date: Available online 28 October 2017
Source:Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry
Author(s): Luisa Calvanese, Annalia Focà, Annamaria Sandomenico, Giuseppina Focà, Andrea Caporale, Nunzianna Doti, Emanuela Iaccarino, Antonio Leonardi, Gabriella D'Auria, Menotti Ruvo, Lucia Falcigno
Nodal is a growth factor expressed during early embryonic development, but reactivated in several advanced-stage cancers. Targeting of Nodal signaling, which occurs via the binding to Cripto-1 co-receptor, results in inhibition of cell aggressiveness and reduced tumor growth. The Nodal binding region to Cripto-1 was identified and targeted with a high affinity monoclonal antibody (3D1).By STD-NMR technique, we investigated the interaction of Nodal fragments with 3D1 with the aim to elucidate at atomic level the interaction surface.Data indicate with high accuracy the antibody-antigen contact atoms and confirm the information previously obtained by immune-enzymatic methods. Main residues contacted by 3D1 are P46, V47, E49 and E50, which belong to the Nodal loop involved in the interaction with the co-receptor.

Graphical abstract

http://ift.tt/2iH7R8E