Structure–Function Studies on β2-glycoprotein I

Human β2-glycoprotein I is a heavily glycosylated plasma protein which has been implicated in the binding of antiphospholipid antibodies to negatively charged phospholipids; a process considered as an important risk factor for the development of thrombosis. We have solved the crystal structure of β2-glycoprotein I. In this review we will discuss what the three-dimensional structure teaches us about the role of β2-glycoprotein I in the pathogenesis of the antiphospholipid syndrome.