Binding of sucrose octasulphate to the C-type lectin-like domain of the recombinant natural killer cell receptor NKR-P1A observed by NMR spectroscopy

NKR-P1A is a C-type lectin-like receptor on natural killer cells believed to be involved in the cytotoxicity of these cells. Ligands for this protein are not known. Here, we describe the binding of a fully sulphated disaccharide, sucrose octasulphate, by the recombinant C-type lectin-like domain of NKR-P1A. The binding was observed by NMR spectroscopy methods that have recently been described for the screening of compound libraries for bioaffinities, namely the 2D NOESY and saturation transfer difference NMR experiments. (1)H titration studies indicate that the binding is specific. These findings raise the possibility that NKR-P1A recognises sulphated natural ligands in common with certain other members of the C-type lectin family.