Illumination of the complement receptors C3aR and C5aR signaling by anaphylatoxins

Abstract

The complement receptors C3aR and C5aR, whose signaling are selectively activated by anaphylatoxins C3a and C5a, are important regulators of both innate and adaptive immune responses. Dysregulations of C3aR and C5aR signaling lead to multiple inflammatory disorders, including sepsis, asthma, and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The mechanism underlying endogenous anaphylatoxin recognition and activation of C3aR and C5aR remains elusive. Here we reported the structures of C3a-bound C3aR and C5a-bound C5aR1 as well as an apo C3aR structure. These structures, combined with mutagenesis analysis, reveal a conserved recognition pattern of anaphylatoxins to the complement receptors that is different from chemokine receptors, unique pocket topologies of C3aR and C5aR1 that mediate ligand selectivity, and a common mechanism of receptor activation. These results provide crucial insights into the molecular understandings of C3aR and C5aR1 signaling and structural templates for rational drug design for treating inflammation disorders.