Structure-function analysis of Arg-Gly-Asp helix motifs in alpha v beta 6 integrin ligands

Data relating to the structural basis of ligand recognition by integrins are limited. Here we describe the physical requirements for high affinity binding of ligands to alpha v beta 6. By combining a series of structural analyses with functional testing, we show that 20-mer peptide ligands, derived from high affinity ligands of alpha v beta 6 (foot-and-mouth-disease virus, latency associated peptide), have a common structure comprising an Arg-Gly-Asp motif at the tip of a hairpin turn followed immediately by a C-terminal helix. This arrangement allows two conserved Leu/Ile residues at Asp(+1) and Asp(+4) to be presented on the outside face of the helix enabling a potential hydrophobic interaction with the alpha v beta 6 integrin, in addition to the Arg-Gly-Asp interaction. The extent of the helix determines peptide affinity for alpha v beta 6 and potency as an alpha v beta 6 antagonist. A major role of this C-terminal helix is likely to be the correct positioning of the Asp(+1) and Asp(+4) residues. These data suggest an explanation for several biological functions of alpha v beta 6 and provide a structural platform for design of alpha v beta 6 antagonists.