The biophysical basis of the biological activity of Interferon

In this research, we aim to decipher the relation between biophysical parameters of protein-protein interactions and biological activity. We were intrigued by the complex network of a large number of interferon subtypes binding the same two cell surface receptors, but seemingly causing differential activation. We assume that this differential activation is related to distinct modes of receptor binding, which can be investigated using purified proteins in vitro. Therefore, we developed methods to express, purify, mutate and measure the interaction between the different pieces of the puzzle in vitro. This work resulted both in a structural and functional model of the system. Yet, the interferon system is complex and still far from being understood, which is part of our plan for the future. Click here for a detailed description of our work in this area.