A cysteine-rich domain of the “mannose” receptor mediates GalNAc-4-SO4 binding

A critical element of lutropin bioactivity in vivo is its rapid removal from the blood by a receptor, located in hepatic endothelial cells, that recognizes the terminal sulfated carbohydrate structure SO₄-4-GalNAcβ1,4GlcNAcβ1,2Manα (S4GGnM). We have previously shown that the macrophage mannose (Man)-receptor cDNA directs the synthesis of a protein that binds oligosaccharides with either terminal S4GGnM or terminal Man, at independent sites. We now show that the cysteine-rich (Cys-Rich) domain at the N terminus of the Man/S4GGnM receptor accounts for binding of oligosaccharides with terminal GalNAc-4-SO₄, whereas calcium-dependent carbohydrate recognition domains (CRDs) account for binding of ligands containing terminal Man. The Cys-Rich domain is thus a previously unrecognized carbohydrate binding motif. Cys-Rich domains have been described on the three other members of the endocytic C-type lectin family of receptors. The structural relationship of these receptors to the Man/S4GGnM receptor raises the possibility that their Cys-Rich domains also bind carbohydrate moieties and contribute to their function.