The alternatively folded state of the antibody C_H3 domain

The C_H3 domain of antibodies is characterized by two antiparallel β-sheets forming a disulfide-linked sandwich-like structure. At acidic pH values and low ionic strength, C_H3 becomes completely unfolded. The addition of salt transforms the acid-unfolded protein into an alternatively folded state exhibiting a characteristic secondary structure. The transition from native to alternatively folded C_H3 is a fast reaction. Interestingly, this reaction involves the formation of a defined oligomer consisting of 12-14 subunits. Association is completely reversible and the native dimer is quantitatively reformed at neutral pH. This alternatively folded protein is remarkably stable against thermal and chemical denaturation and the unfolding transitions are highly cooperative. With a t_m of 80 °C, the stability of the alternatively folded state is comparable to that of the native state of C_H3. The defined oligomeric structure of C_H3 at pH 2 seems to be a prerequisite for the cooperative unfolding transitions.