Structure of human phagocyte NADPH oxidase in the activated state. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38355798/)

These scientists wanted to understand how a protein complex called phagocyte NADPH oxidase works. This complex helps our immune cells fight off germs by producing something called superoxide anions. But the scientists didn't know exactly how some other molecules help activate this complex. So, they looked at the structure of the complex when three specific molecules, called p47, p67, and Rac1, are present.

What they found was that when p67 and Rac1 come together, they attach to a specific part of the complex and make it contract. This contraction helps the complex bind to another molecule called NADPH more tightly. This tighter binding then helps the electrons move more efficiently between different parts of the complex, which is important for activating it to fight off germs.

So, by studying the structure of this complex with these specific molecules, the scientists learned how they help activate the complex and fight off germs better.

Liu X., Shi Y., Liu R., Song K., Chen L. Structure of human phagocyte NADPH oxidase in the activated state. Nature. 2024 Feb 14. doi: 10.1038/s41586-024-07056-1.