Exposed hydrophobic patch in the head region of Sm-TSP-2-EC2.
a, surface electrostatic potential of the variable region of Sm-TSP-2-EC2 showing a non-polar region ringed by the charged or polar residues Lys-49, Glu-53, Asp-62, and Thr-67. b, ribbon diagram of Sm-TSP-2-EC2, in the same orientation as a, highlighting the extended loop forming the non-polar patch and the disulfide bonds that hold the loop structure in position.