Structural basis for plastic glycolipid recognition of the C-type lectin Mincle

Mincle (macrophage-inducible C-type lectin, CLEC4E) is a C-type lectin immune-stimulatory receptor for cord factor, trehalose dimycolate (TDM), which serves as a potent component of adjuvants. The recognition of glycolipids by Mincle, especially their lipid parts, is poorly understood. Here, we performed nuclear magnetic resonance analysis, revealing that titration of trehalose harboring a linear short acyl chain showed a chemical shift perturbation of hydrophobic residues next to the Ca-binding site. Notably, there were split signals for Tyr201 upon complex formation, indicating two binding modes for the acyl chain. In addition, most Mincle residues close to the Ca-binding site showed no observable signals, suggesting their mobility on an ∼ ms scale even after complex formation. Mutagenesis study supported two putative lipid-binding modes for branched acyl-chain TDM binding. These results provide novel insights into the plastic-binding modes of Mincle toward a wide range of glycol- and glycerol-lipids, important for rational adjuvant development.

Correction: Synthesis of glycerolipids containing simple linear acyl chains or aromatic rings and evaluation of their Mincle signaling activity

Correction for 'Synthesis of glycerolipids containing simple linear acyl chains or aromatic rings and evaluation of their Mincle signaling activity' by Takanori Matsumaru et al., Chem. Commun., 2019, 55, 711-714, DOI: 10.1039/C8CC07322H.

Synthesis of glycerolipids containing simple linear acyl chains or aromatic rings and evaluation of their Mincle signaling activity

The synthesized glycerolipid derivatives possessing simple alkyl chains can stimulate a Mincle-mediated signaling assay relevant for the innate immune system.