[HTML][HTML] The crystal structure of the globular head of complement protein C1q provides a basis for its versatile recognition properties

C Gaboriaud, J Juanhuix, A Gruez, M Lacroix… - Journal of Biological …, 2003 - ASBMB
C1q is a versatile recognition protein that binds to an amazing variety of immune and non-
immune ligands and triggers activation of the classical pathway of complement. The crystal
structure of the C1q globular domain responsible for its recognition properties has now been
solved and refined to 1.9 Å of resolution. The structure reveals a compact, almost spherical
heterotrimeric assembly held together mainly by non-polar interactions, with a Ca 2+ ion
bound at the top. The heterotrimeric assembly of the C1q globular domain appears to be a …