3D structure modeling of complexes formed by CrmB TNF-binding proteins of Variola and cowpox viruses with murine and human TNFs

Abstract

Orthopoxviral genomes bear genes for a series of homologous secreted proteins binding tumor necrosis factor (TNF). Orthopoxvirus species have different sets of these proteins. Variola virus has only one protein of this series, CrmB. Although CrmB protein sequences are similar to each other, their physicochemical and biological properties show certain species-specific features. We constructed 3D models of complexes formed by TNF-binding domains of variola and cowpox viruses with murine and human TNFs. We also constructed corresponding models with a mutant human TNF. In this mutant TNF, the arginine residue at position 31 involved in receptor binding was replaced by glutamine, characteristic of murine TNF. Analysis of the models showed that the least stable complex should be that formed by cowpox virus CrmB with human TNF, and the Arg31/Gln substitution should significantly stabilize the interaction between cowpox CrmB and mutant human TNF. Experimental comparison of the abilities of recombinant variola and cowpox CrmB proteins to inhibit the cytotoxic action of TNFs confirmed the predictions.