Ephrin Bs have several conserved tyrosine phosphorylation sites in their cytoplasmic PDZ-like domain, which are important for signal transduction. Ephrins and their receptors EphR play an important role in cell communication in normal physiology, as well as in disease pathogenesis. Binding of the ephrin (Eph) ligand to EphR requires cell-cell contact, since both molecules are anchored to the plasma membrane. The resulting downstream signals occur bidirectionally in both EphR-expressing cells (forward signaling, depending on Eph kinase activity) and ephrin-expressing cells (reverse signaling). Eph signaling controls cell morphology, adhesion, migration and invasion. Ephrins can be subdivided into 2 groups, A and B, depending on their respective receptors EphA or EphB. The nine human EphA receptors bind to five GPI-linked ephrin-A ligands and the five EphB receptors bind to three transmembrane ephrin-B ligands. Interactions are promiscuous within each class, and some Eph receptors can also bind to ephrins of the other class. All ephrin Bs contain a highly conserved receptor binding ectodomain described in this model.
Comment:This site also serves as the interacting surface used by Nipah and Hendra virus glycoproteins, which facilitates attachment of the virus to host cells.
Structure:3D12; Mouse EphrinB3 in complex with Nipah virus G attachment glycoprotein; contacts at 4A
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