Structure basis for ligand recognition and singnal inducing mechanism involved in TLR4・MD-2 complex.

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In this project, I tried to determine the crystal structure of TLR4-MD-2 complex. TLR4, which is a membrane protein, is a member of pattern recognition proteins. TLR4-MD-2 complex recognizes LPS known as endotoxin. TLR4-MD-2 complex could be expressed on plasma membrane in sf-9 insect cell. The total expression level on the membrane was sufficient for using crystallization. However, almost all expressed TLR4-MD-2 could not be extracted from the membrane. From small scale purification experiment, 60% purity TLR4-MD-2 complex solution was obtained.