Function
CD59 (Cluster of Differentiation 59) is a protein which attaches to host cells via a GPI anchor. CD59 can prevent the formation of complement membrane attack complex via binding to complement C8 or C9. [1]
Relevance
HIV, vaccinia and cytomegalovirus incorporate human CD59 into their envelope thus preventing their lysis by complement.
Disease
Mutations in CD59 causes disease involving thrombosis.
Structural highlights
Human CD59 extracellular domain complex with intermedilysin [2].
- ↑ Meri S, Morgan BP, Davies A, Daniels RH, Olavesen MG, Waldmann H, Lachmann PJ. Human protectin (CD59), an 18,000-20,000 MW complement lysis restricting factor, inhibits C5b-8 catalysed insertion of C9 into lipid bilayers. Immunology. 1990 Sep;71(1):1-9. PMID:1698710
- ↑ Johnson S, Brooks NJ, Smith RA, Lea SM, Bubeck D. Structural Basis for Recognition of the Pore-Forming Toxin Intermedilysin by Human Complement Receptor CD59. Cell Rep. 2013 May 30;3(5):1369-77. doi: 10.1016/j.celrep.2013.04.029. Epub 2013 , May 9. PMID:23665225 doi:10.1016/j.celrep.2013.04.029