Structural basis of ligand recognition and gating in mosquito IRs.

Cryo-EM structures of the IR8a-IR75k complex from Anopheles stephensi reveal ligand-induced gating mechanisms with four distinct states, including apo and ligand-bound forms.

• Why it matters: Understanding the structural basis of ligand recognition and channel activation in mosquito IRs is crucial for developing targeted strategies to disrupt host-seeking behavior and control mosquito-borne diseases.
• What they did: The study used cryo-electron microscopy to determine structures of the IR8a-IR75k complex in four states, combined with molecular dynamics simulations and electrophysiology to validate the gating mechanism.
• The result: Findings show ligand binding causes closure of the ligand-binding domain and outward displacement of transmembrane helices, offering atomic insights for designing mosquito control interventions.