Regulating IL-2 immune signaling function via a core allosteric structural network
Woodward CH, Solieva SO, Hwang D, De Paula VS, Fabilane CS, Young MC, Trent T, Teeley EC, Majumdar A, Spangler JB, Bowman GR, Sgourakis NG. Regulating IL-2 immune signaling function via a core allosteric structural network. bioRxiv [Preprint]. 2024 Oct 8:2024.10.07.617024. doi: 10.1101/2024.10.07.617024. PMID: 39416199; PMCID: PMC11482754.
Abstract
Human interleukin-2 (IL-2) is a crucial cytokine for T cell regulation, with therapeutic potential in cancer and autoimmune diseases. However, IL-2’s pleiotropic effects across different immune cell types often lead to toxicity and limited efficacy. Previous efforts to enhance IL-2’s therapeutic profile have focused on modifying its receptor binding sites. Yet, the underlying dynamics and intramolecular networks contributing to IL-2 receptor recognition remain unexplored. This study presents a detailed characterization of IL-2 dynamics compared to two engineered IL-2 mutants, “superkines” S15 and S1, which exhibit biased signaling towards effector T cells. Using NMR spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulations, we demonstrate significant variations in core dynamic pathways and conformational exchange rates across these three IL-2 variants. We identify distinct allosteric networks and excited state conformations in the superkines, despite their structural similarity to wild-type IL-2. Furthermore, we rationally design a mutation (L56A) in the S1 superkine’s core network, which partially reverts its dynamics, receptor binding affinity, and T cell signaling behavior towards that of wild-type IL-2. Our results reveal that IL-2 superkine core dynamics play a critical role in their enhanced receptor binding and function, suggesting that modulating IL-2 dynamics and core allostery represents an untapped approach for designing immunotherapies with improved immune cell selectivity profiles.