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Vaccinia complement control protein: Multi-functional protein and a potential wonder drug

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Abstract

Vaccinia virus complement control protein (VCP) was one of the first viral molecules demonstrated to have a role in blocking complement and hence in the evasion of host defense. Structurally it is very similar to the human C4b-BP and the other members of complement control protein. Functionally it is most similar to the CR1 protein. VCP blocks both major pathways of complement activation. The crystal structure of VCP was determined a little over a year ago and it is the only known structure of an intact and complete complement control protein. In addition to binding complement, VCP also binds to heparin. These two binding abilities can take place simultaneously and contribute to its many function and to its potential use in several inflammatory diseases, e.g. Alzheimer’s disease (AD), CNS injury, xenotransplantation, etc. making it a truly fascinating molecule and potential drug.

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Abbreviations

AD:

Alzheimer’s disease

BP:

binding protein

CP:

complement protein

CR1:

complement receptor 1

DAF:

decay accelerating factor

FGF:

fibroblast growth factors

MCP:

membrane cofactor protein

SCRs:

short consensus repeats

VCP:

vaccinia virus complement control protein

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Louisville, School of Medicine, KY40202, Louisville, USA

    Purushottam Jha & Girish J. Kotwal

  2. Division of Medical Virology, University of Cape Town, 7925, HSC, Cape Town, South Africa

    Girish J. Kotwal

Authors
  1. Purushottam Jha
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  2. Girish J. Kotwal
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Jha, P., Kotwal, G.J. Vaccinia complement control protein: Multi-functional protein and a potential wonder drug. J. Biosci. 28, 265–271 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02970146

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