The mechanism of activation of the receptors for IL-3, IL-5 and GM-CSF
Using X-ray crystallography, NMR spectroscopy and cell-based studies, we have sought to understand how the related cytokines, IL-3, IL-5 and GM-CSF, can bind a common β-receptor yet elicit distinct cellular responses.
Our studies have focused on a related β-receptor (denoted βIL-3) present in mice, but not humans, which is specific for IL-3.
βIL 3 offers a unique opportunity for insight into the molecular basis of βIL-3’s specificity for IL 3 over IL-5 and GM-CSF, and how the receptor is able to bind IL 3 directly whilst the related βc cannot.
These studies are being performed in collaboration with Professor Ian Young (John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra) and Dr Shenggen Yao (Structural Biology Division).