Screening Peptides that Activate MRGPRX2 using Engineered HEK Cells

Today, we will demonstrate a method to screen a peptide library, against a recently discovered master receptor, which is Mas-related G protein receptor X2, also known as MRGPRX2 receptor. Mast cells are an integral part of the immune system, and play a crucial role in both innate and adaptive immune responses. Mast cells are activated either by the antigen-bound Fc epsilon R1 receptor, or by the recently discovered X2 receptor.

Activation of surface-bound X2 receptor, has been linked to several immunological, and inflammated diseases and hence, it is important to understand the binding mechanism of this receptor to its ligands. To do so, we have develop a library of small peptide molecules, and have screened them against X2 receptors over-expressed on hexis. In the study, a peptide library was constructed using simple and versatile techniques of Alanine scanning, and amino acid truncations.