Human Macrophage Inflammatory Protein 3α: Protein and Peptide Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Solution Structures, Dimerization, Dynamics, and Anti-Infective Properties

Human macrophage inflammatory protein 3α (MIP-3α), also known as CCL20, is a 70-amino-acid chemokine which exclusively binds to chemokine receptor 6. In addition, the protein also has direct antimicrobial, antifungal, and antiviral activities. The solution structure of MIP-3α was solved by the use of two-dimensional homonuclear proton nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The structure reveals the characteristic chemokine fold, with three antiparallel β strands followed by a C-terminal α helix. In contrast to the crystal structures of MIP-3α, the solution structure was found to be monomeric. Another difference between the NMR and crystal structures lies in the angle of the α helix with respect to the β strands, which measure 69 and ∼56.5° in the two structures, respectively. NMR diffusion and pH titration studies revealed a distinct tendency for MIP-3α to form dimers at neutral pH and monomers at lower pH, dependent on the protonation state of His40. Molecular dynamics simulations of both the monomeric and the dimeric forms of MIP-3α supported the notion that the chemokine undergoes a change in helix angle upon dimerization and also highlighted the important hydrophobic and hydrogen bonding contacts made by His40 in the dimer interface. Moreover, a constrained N terminus and a smaller binding groove were observed in dimeric MIP-3α simulations, which could explain why monomeric MIP-3α may be more adept at receptor binding and activation. The solution structure of a synthetic peptide consisting of the last 20 residues of MIP-3α displayed a highly amphipathic α helix, reminiscent of various antimicrobial peptides. Antimicrobial assays with this peptide revealed strong and moderate bactericidal activities against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus , respectively. This confirms that the C-terminal α-helical region of MIP-3α plays a significant part in its broad anti-infective activity.