Friday, November 22, 2024
11/22/2024
Lymphocyte function-associated antigen 1 (LFA-1, or integrin aifa) and its ligands, the five different intercellular adhesion molecules (ICAMs), are important in antigen-specific immune responses, homing and trafficking of leukocytes between vascular and extravascular spaces, and in tumor surveillance. The antibody Efalizumab (Raptiva) to the I domain in the LFA-1 a subunit is in clinical use for treatment of psoriasis. Two classes of small molecule inhibitors that we call, according to their mode of action, a I allostericantagonists and o/p I allosteric antagonists, are in clinical trials andpre-clinical development, respectively. Inthe next grant period, we will extend understanding of the structure and function of LFA-1 and ICAMs withfour specific aims. 1) We will determine the structure of chimeras with the LFA-1 headpiece in a bent, low-affinity conformation with andwithout bound a I ando/p I allosteric antagonists. 2) Wewill determine the structureof an LFA-1 headpiece fragment, which contains the ligand binding domains but not the flexible lower leg domains. 3) We will extend structural studies on ICAM-1. 4) We will use the 125l-labeled high affinity ICAM-1 mutant to measure the monomeric affinity of cell surface LFA-1. The integrin LFA-1 is an important drug target in autoimmune disease, with one approved antibody antagonist and multiple small molecule antagonists in development. The molecular characterizationof LFA-1 and its antagonists proposed in this grant will enhance development of new drugs.
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).
