Solution structure of the Zβ domain of human DNA-dependent activator of IFN-regulatory factors and its binding modes to B- and Z-DNAs

The DNA-dependent activator of IFN-regulatory factors (DAI), also known as DLM-1/ZBP1, initiates an innate immune response by binding to foreign DNAs in the cytosol. For full activation of the immune response, three DNA binding domains at the N terminus are required: two Z-DNA binding domains (ZBDs), Z alpha and Z beta, and an adjacent putative B-DNA binding domain. The crystal structure of the Z beta domain of human DAI (hZ beta(DAI)) in complex with Z-DNA revealed structural features distinct from other known Z-DNA binding proteins, and it was classified as a group II ZBD. To gain structural insights into the DNA binding mechanism of hZ beta(DAI), the solution structure of the free hZ beta(DAI) was solved, and its bindings to B-and Z-DNAs were analyzed by NMR spectroscopy. Compared to the Z-DNA-bound structure, the conformation of free hZ beta(DAI) has notable alterations in the alpha 3 recognition helix, the wing, and Y145, which are critical in Z-DNA recognition. Unlike some other Za domains, hZ beta(DAI) appears to have conformational flexibility, and structural adaptation is required for Z-DNA binding. Chemical-shift perturbation experiments revealed that hZ beta(DAI) also binds weakly to B-DNA via a different binding mode. The C-terminal domain of DAI is reported to undergo a conformational change on B-DNA binding; thus, it is possible that these changes are correlated. During the innate immune response, hZ beta(DAI) is likely to play an active role in binding to DNAs in both B and Z conformations in the recognition of foreign DNAs.