Abstract: Disclosed is the first crystal structure in the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) family, the mouse CEACAM1a[1,4], containing the N-terminal functional domain that is characterized as having a uniquely folded CC′ loop. This novel feature could not be predicted based on sequence analysis alone. The structure has provided a prototypic architecture for modeling human homologues within the CEA family. These tertiary structures are used in a number of screening methods for identifying candidate molecules that have a binding affinity for the tertiary structure of the CC′ loop and its vicinity. Pharmaceutical preparations that include one or more of such identified candidates may then be provided and used in treatments for certain bacterial and viral infections, certain tumors and disorders of angiogenesis or immune responses and autoimmune disease.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel crystal structures of a carcinoembryonic cell adhesion antigen functional domain that is characterized as having a unique N-terminal domain structure, called a CC′ loop. This tertiary structure is used in a number of screening methods for identifying candidate molecules that have a binding affinity for the tertiary structure of the CC′ loop. Pharmaceutical preparations that include one or more of such identified candidate may then be provided and used in treatments for bacterial infections, dysentery, angiogenesis, immune cell mediated disease, and related conditions thereto.