Structural insights into the interaction between a potent anti-inflammatory protein, viral CC chemokine inhibitor (vCCI), and the human CC chemokine, eotaxin-1

Background: The mechanism used by viral protein vCCI to tightly bind to many CC chemokines is not known. Results: Specific positively charged residues in the chemokine eotaxin-1 mediate binding to vCCI. Conclusion: Basic residues in the chemokine each provide incremental affinity for vCCI. Significance: This work shows how vCCI can bind a variety of CC chemokines.