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Functional convergence of invertebrate and vertebrate cytokine-like molecules based on a similar lectin-like activity.

par Beschin, Alain ;Bilej, Martin;Magez, Stefan;Lucas, Rudolf;De Baetselier, Patrick
Référence Progress in molecular and subcellular biology, 34, page (145-163)
Publication Publié, 2004

Article révisé par les pairs

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Résumé :

It is generally accepted that the action of cytokines results from their binding to specific receptors. However, many cytokines possess lectin-like activity that may be essential for the expression of their full biological activities. This review focuses on the physiological relevance of the lectin-like activity of cytokines during the innate immune response in mammals, using TNF as an illustrative example. Moreover, we will show that TNF displays functional analogies with a defense molecule from the earthworm Eisenia foetida termed CCF. These analogies are not reflected by primary sequence homology between CCF and TNF but are particularly based on a similar lectin-like activity/domain. Hence, from a phylogenetic point of view, the lectin-like activity/domain of CCF and TNF may represent an essential recognition mechanism that has been functionally conserved during the innate immune response of invertebrates and vertebrates as a result of convergent evolution.